The Work of the Catechist As Per Pierre-Marie Dumont

     A beautiful "Theological Reflection" written by Pierre-Marie Dumont's piece entitled, "The Effective and Indubitable Sign of Forgiveness:  Reflections on John 20:21-23.  

     In my humble opinion, this reading was given as an example of how to write a Theological Reflection paper in that it addresses the areas of Tradition, Culture and Experience.  There is plenty of reference to Gospel text, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The Culture is reflected in the the behaviors of prayer, and forgiveness in today's society as something to constantly be grasped at and that through the interactions and experience with others the catechist is purified and made whole able to go out and pass the message of Christ's healing love and forgiveness to one's self and others in which one realizes the peace of Christ.  A different peace leading to a joy that is shared with other's in such a way that they in turn desire to experience it in order to hold onto Christ.

     I've attached the link within this blog just in case someone reading this blog would like to experience the message of this reading for him/herself.

     In reality, I must confess that I have a hard time going into the confessional, even though I do it.  Even though, I teach others to go to confession.  I am extremely particular in choosing a confessor.  For me, he must be someone who exudes spirituality, (faith).  Someone who is so Christlike that I have no doubt he is guided by the Holy Spirit.  I may be too hard in this area of priests, but I grew up with the notion that they should be "holier" than the people whose sins they, in Christ's place forgive; a cause of much disappointment.

     Perhaps this is an area for more discovery in Spiritual Direction? 


   http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/catechetical-sunday/sacramental-forgiveness/theological-reflection-dumont.cfm


             " ...let us return to that joy that rejoiced the hearts of the disciples when the living Jesus said to them: "Peace be with you!" Who among us has never found himself locked within the doors of his own sin, heart bereft of all joy, tormented by the past and anguished by the future? And who, getting to their knees in the confessional, receiving absolution after the purifying admission of sin, and hearing the priest say, "Go in peace!" has not felt his heart burning with a joy that is not of this world? In the end, is it not the hunger for this joy that catechists, through their own witness, must awaken in others?"  Pierre-Marie Dumont