One of the accusations leveled against Jesus was that he was a “friend of tax collectors and sinners” (LK 7:34). He reached out to those whom many shunned, such as lepers, Samaritans, and other individuals thought to be sinners. He reached out in love and mercy to heal and forgive through the power of God’s mysterious love.

The mystery of reconciliation and the sacrament through which the Church makes present forgiveness to Christians is the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection, the mystery of the blood of Jesus shed for the forgiveness of sins. It is the mystery of the God who so loved the world that Jesus, the only Son of God, was sent so that those who believe might have life and avoid condemnation (cf. JN 3:16, 18).

Ultimately, through the mystery of reconciliation the Church stands with the father of the prodigal son to rejoice, “Your brother was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost, and is found” (LK 15:32).