JESUS' JOY IN FORGIVENESS

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 115

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 115: "My joy is to forgive. Christians must renounce sins. Souls must contribute to My appeal."

Sacramental grace is an extraordinary gift from God, poured into our souls through the holy sacraments. Instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, each sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality—God’s sanctifying grace at work in our lives. As taught by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sacraments are “efficacious signs of grace” (CCC 1131), dispensing divine life that strengthens, heals, and sanctifies us.

Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is special among the sacraments because it helps mend the damage that sin has done to our relationship with God. Like a prodigal son's loving father, Jesus joyfully anticipates our confession and is always willing to pardon. His declaration, "My joy is to forgive," expresses how eager He is to show us forgiveness again and make amends with the Father. We come into contact with Christ through the ministry of the priest, who not only forgives our sins but also gives us supernatural power to withstand temptation in the future and develop virtue.

However, this sacramental grace requires our cooperation. Jesus’ call that “Christians must renounce sins” urges us to a true conversion of heart. This is not just a one-time act but a lifelong journey of aligning our will with God’s. The grace received in the sacraments, particularly Confession and the Holy Eucharist, sustains us in this journey, fortifying us against the snares of sin. Jesus’ appeal that “souls must contribute” calls us to active participation in the life of grace. Beyond receiving forgiveness, we are called to live in holiness, evangelize, and offer reparation for our sins and the world’s. Through this spiritual partnership with Christ, we join in His redemptive mission, offering our lives as a testament to His love and mercy.

May Our Adorable Jesus, who revealed these divine appeals to Sr. Anna Ali, fill our hearts with the grace to embrace His call fully. In the Sacrament of Confession, may we encounter His boundless mercy, and in the Holy Eucharist, may we be strengthened to renounce sin and live in His grace. As we respond to His appeal, let us be vigilant in offering our lives as a testament to His love and forgiveness, contributing to the salvation of souls. Through the intercession of Our Lady and the example of Sr. Anna Ali, may we grow in holiness and become true instruments of Jesus’ redemptive mission in the world.

Prayer

We give You thanks, Our Adorable Jesus, for Your infinite mercy and joy in forgiving us. Strengthen us to renounce sin and embrace Your grace. Through Your divine appeal, guide us to live in holiness and actively contribute to Your mission of the salvation of souls. 

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.