Which authority is more effective to reform a sinner, to forgive or to punish?
From what we have learned in psychology, positive reinforcement is always better than negative reinforcement, in other word punishment, in learning. That is to say, punishment is less effective in helping people improve. Moreover, meting out appropriate punishment is extremely difficult because we do not know when a punishment is excessive, is out of proportion.
However, most people are impatient and want to see instant results. Furthermore, it is easy to identify errors and mistakes in others. (Ironically, it is not easy to do likewise in oneself. Life is always so asymmetrical!) Therefore, punishment gets an upper hand. Gradually, tortures in public were invented in the name of deterrence.
On the contrary, God has perfect knowledge. His punishment is never excessive and is appropriate to the point. I am of the opinion that God alone is qualify to punish. However, God prefers mercy to punishment and mercy is more effective in reforming sinners.
Today, we celebrate the primacy of Peter's Chair. Jesus gave him the key of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever he binds on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever he looses on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:19). In other words, Jesus delegates to Peter and his successors the authority to punish and to forgive. When Peter forgives on earth, Jesus will forgive in heaven. What Peter declares to be a sin on earth, Jesus will do likewise in heaven. Jesus' decision is rather risky because human beings tend to punish more than to forgive. It is easy to abuse such an absolute authority. Yet, Jesus puts his faith in fragile humanity to forgive/punish each other; to administer his body and blood at any time! God's mercy and love is mind-boggling.
Merciful Lord, help our Pope and his delegates exercise their authority to forgive so as to manifest Your loving mercy. Amen.
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