John 20:19-23 New American Bible

John 20:19-23 Bible Gateway New International Version

“Sins Are Forgiven.”

Jesus has a heart of mercy. He healed the sick. He forgave the sinners. He helped those who no one else wanted to help. He visited with and ate with people that no one else wanted to be seen with. He helped lepers. A leper’s skin looked horrible. It had sores oozing yucky stuff all over. They covered themselves with cloth so that they wouldn’t look so bad to people. When you can help people even though you are frightened, then God is definitely within you. He is filling you with strength. You may not be killing the Giant, Goliath. However, in your mind this thing you are trying to do might be just as hard for you as killing the giant was for David.

When someone forgives you, it fills you with joy. When God forgives you, it is indeed great. With his forgiveness, you are able to get into the Kingdom of Heaven. With his forgiveness and peace inside you, you will be able to have the strength and power to do what God put you on this earth to do. You will accomplish your God-given goals.

What are your God-given goals? God wants you to get to heaven to spend all eternity with him. He sent his only Son to earth to save you from your sins. Because Jesus died on the cross your sins are forgiven. You will be able to go to heaven.

God wants you to be kind to others. He wants you to take the forgiveness he gives you and give it to others. When someone hurts you, God wants you to forgive them. If someone breaks your favorite toy, God wants you to forgive them. If your best friend won’t play a game with you, forgive them. If you hurt someone, God wants you to forgive yourself. In forgiving yourself, you will be able to forgive other people easier.

Say the “Our Father” and thank God for giving us the gift of the Holy Eucharist and filling our cup of life with love.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.