Fall out: The Soldier Bishop Exits | Page 16

Feature ight The L aith: of F Pope Francis st s his fir write cyclical En Letter By Fr Joe Babendreier Faith is a light that shines. Faith reveals a new way of looking at the problems that often overwhelm us. When a man working in a government office goes to confession and says he has been demanding corruption money, he’s sorry for his sins. He knows it’s wrong, but he really needs the extra money. He has tried to get a better job without any luck. He doesn’t know what to do, except confess his sins and trust in God’s mercy. When the priest asks him if he’s ready to stop, he says that he’s trying and that he’ll try again. He really would like to stop. When a young single woman studying at the university goes to confession and says she has been engaging in sexual activity, she’s sorry for her sins. She knows it’s wrong. She wants to stop, but she’s afraid of losing all her friends. They see nothing wrong with promiscuity. If she tries to change, they’ll make fun of her, and she’ll feel lonely. She doesn’t know what to do, except confess her sins and trust in God’s mercy. When the priest asks her if she’s ready to stop, she says she’ll try. She really would 16 THE SEED - VOL 25, No. 8 AUGUST 2013 16 THE SEED - VOL 24, No. 4, APRIL 2012