# Jesus forgives and heals: The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
*2019-10-06*

> On the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Bill Young discusses the power of divine mercy, the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the availability of last rites for those seeking forgiveness.

## Community and Prayer

Today is Monday, October 7th, the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary. I recently had the opportunity to help out our fellow Legion of Mary members at St. Bernadette. It is a wonderful church, and I highly encourage anyone to attend their Legion of Mary meetings on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. It is a great time to pray the rosary together, engage with spiritual readings, and perform works for Mary and Jesus.

I have also started using a devotional booklet called 'One Bread, One Body,' which provides daily readings for the Thanksgiving season. Today's readings from the book of Jonah and the Gospel of Luke focus on a central theme: acting with mercy.

## The Cry of the Unborn and Divine Mercy

In a previous podcast, I spoke about the 'cry of the unborn' and the tragedy of abortion. I feel strongly that the protection of the unborn is the most critical issue we face, particularly regarding the appointment of Supreme Court justices who will uphold the right to life. 

Beyond the political struggle, I think about the women who have had abortions. Many of them are tormented and carry a heavy burden for the rest of their lives. I want them to know that God's forgiveness and Jesus' mercy are always available. While the Catholic Church has specific programs to help these women find healing through confession, I often wonder about those who are not Catholic but are equally desperate for peace.

## Finding Forgiveness through the Priesthood

I recently asked my pastor at St. Max about how to help non-Catholics who are seeking forgiveness at the end of their lives. He explained that a priest can provide last rites and absolution even to those who are not Catholic, especially in emergency situations where the person may be unconscious. 

While Jesus, being God, can forgive however He chooses, there is a profound security in the Sacrament of Confession. For those who are not Catholic but are tormented by their past, I suggest including a request for a Catholic priest in your living will. This ensures that, even in a critical situation, you can receive the rites that wipe away sin. I believe this is a way to find peace and a way to eventually reunite with the children who were lost to abortion.

## Reflections on Mercy

The readings for today contrast the mercy of the pagan sailors toward Jonah with Jonah's own lack of mercy. Similarly, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, the religious authorities passed by the wounded man, while the Samaritan—seen as an outsider—fulfilled the heart of God's law through compassion. 

We must ask ourselves: what do people see when they look at our lives? Do they see the fruit of mercy, or do they see people who are indifferent to the problems of others? We are called to be ambassadors of God's mercy to everyone we encounter.

## The Rosary for the Most Needy

As we pray the Joyful Mysteries today, I offer this rosary specifically for those who most need God's mercy—especially mothers who have had abortions and are still tormented by that decision. I pray that they find the courage to seek confession and the grace to forgive themselves. 

If you are struggling with a sin that has haunted your adult life, please reach out to a local priest. Even if you are not Catholic, you can be baptized and then enter into confession. Do not wait until you are on your deathbed; seek that peace and guarantee of forgiveness today.

*No matter the depth of the sin, divine mercy is available to all who are sincerely sorrowful, and the Church provides the means for that forgiveness through the priesthood.*