GOD SHOWS HIS MERCY IN PARDONING SINS

VATICAN CITY, SEP 8, 1999 (VIS) - In this morning's general audience held in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father, continuing his reflections on the meaning of conversion, spoke of the significance of the remission of sins which is offered through sacramental meditation.

If, said the Pope, forgiveness of sin in the Old Testament "does not attenuate man's responsibility and the need for his commitment to conversion," in the New Testament "God's forgiveness is manifested through the words and deeds of Jesus. In forgiving sin, Jesus reveals to us the merciful face of the Father."

John Paul II confirmed that the "pinnacle of this revelation may be considered as being the parable which is known as the 'prodigal son' but which should be called the 'merciful father.'"

"The decision of the younger son to liberate himself (from his father) ... is a blatant rejection of family communion. The distancing from the paternal home well expresses the meaning of sin and its character of ungrateful rebellion." Human logic, expressed in the elder brother's protest, would suggest "adequate punishment." Nonetheless, the Pope continued, the father goes out to meet the prodigal son and shows him his love. "Pure legality is overcome by generous and unconditional parental love, which goes beyond human justice and summons both brothers to sit once more at the father's table."

"The merciful father of the parable both contains within himself and transcends all the attributes of paternity and maternity. ... The mystery of the 'return home' admirably expresses the meeting between the Father and humanity, between mercy and misery, in a circle of love that does not only concern the lost son but extends to all."

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