Expert: Sal - 1/10/2010

Question
I'm wondering what John means when he writes that we should not pray for those who have committed "deadly" sin (John 5:14-21). I thought we should pray for everyone.

Also, I was wondering about during the Mass at consecration when the priest says, "It will be shed for you and for ALL..." Why in the Traditional Latin Mass does the priest say, "It will be shed for you and for MANY...." Which is closer to the original text? How do the meanings differ?

Thank you and God bless you.

Answer
Dear Gina:

In 1 John 5:16 we read, “If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death (venial), he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death (mortal). I am not saying that he should pray about that.”

Here John is not saying that we should not pray for all sinners. He is saying that if a person’s sin is not deadly (venial) God will forgive that person based on the intercessor pray of others. However, if that person’s sin is deadly (mortal) God will not forgive that sin unless it is confessed. We should pray that the person in mortal sin makes a confession of that sin. The Church teaches that a mortal sin can only be forgiven through the sacrament of Confession.

John’s teaching is shadowed in the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains many truths that were only partial understood, if at all, before the coming of Christ and the New Covenant.

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  

“God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people” (Colossians 1:25-26).

“In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 3:4-5).

“Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him” (Romans 16:25-26).

John’s teaching on praying for those whose sin is venial was shadowed in 2 Maccabees 12:42-46 which concludes with, “Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin.” The sin of Judas Maccabees' men was a venial one. Also John’s teaching of praying for lesser sins and not for greater sins was shadowed in 1 Samuel 2:25, “If a man sins against another man, God  may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?”

So we should pray for all people, but our prayers to remove a mortal sin will be futile if that person does not make a Confession. We should still pray for that person, but our prayer should be that he realizes the gravity of his sin and goes to the sacrament of Confession.

The difference between "many" and "all" is of no consequence. Jesus shed his blood for all, but not all will take advantage of this fact. So it may be translated either way and the meaning is still the same. Jesus shed his blood for all and many will accept it.

Thanks for the questions.

God Bless You,
Sal