The Catechism of the Catholic Church states the following for our reflection.

1441 Only God forgives sins. Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, "The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" and exercises this divine power: "Your sins are forgiven." Further, by virtue of his divine authority he gives this power to men to exercise in his name.

1442 Christ has willed that in her prayer and life and action his whole Church should be the sign and instrument of the forgiveness and reconciliation that he acquired for us at the price of his blood. But he entrusted the exercise of the power of absolution to the apostolic ministry which he charged with the "ministry of reconciliation." The apostle is sent out "on behalf of Christ" with "God making his appeal" through him and pleading: "Be reconciled to God."

We are struggling sinners in need of constant forgiveness and mercy from God. God in his infinite love knows our weaknesses and proclivity to sin. He knows that we need his forgiveness. He willing extends this to us. But there is a condition. We must have a sincere, interior conversion of heart and will back to him to receive his forgiveness and reconciliation. Sin locks us away in the darkness of alienation. Jesus knocks on our door calling us to come out of our tomb of death into the light of his life. Acknowledging our sin and our need for forgiveness, we can only experience this by opening the door of our heart to God once more. His grace is sufficient for us both to hear his call and to respond to it.  But how often we remain in the darkness of sin, afraid of the light. We choose self condemnation and destruction rather than trust in his merciful love. There are times we are not ready to let go our desire to continue to sin. Still, God calls us by name and waits like the father of the prodigal son to repent and return.  Do not delay. There is too much at stake.