[freedumb2003]

This brings up very serious theological issues about absolution: can someone have don so much evil in his life that it is beyond the Church to grant it? Millions of deaths of innocents can be indirectly laid at castro’s feet and thousands directly there.

FWIIW and I am not joking: I always sided with the son who stayed home.

[notaliberal]

Simple——God knows what’s in your heart—it’s called “TRUE CONTRITION”

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

” can someone have don so much evil in his life that it is beyond the Church to grant it?”

It’s really not up to the Earthly Church to make the final decision, is it? My personal opinion is that no matter what the Earthly Churches decision is, Castro ends up in Hell.

[GAB-1955]

There is no one who is beyond the redemptive power of the Blood of Christ and who will not be received by Him if that person turns to Christ in saving faith. The thief and murderer on the Cross could not save himself by any work but turning towards Christ in faith.

If you read The Cross and the Swastika, Field Marshal Keitel repented; and Albert Speer’s life was changed towards meditation of better things. However, Goering regarded salvation as a cheat and a game.

I'm not going to argue that faith alone saves because faith alone involves at least one item of work, and works are invalid without faith behind them. If Castro will be saved, God will save him. Yet it seems to me that this if there is a Purgatory, this is where Castro would need to be, to purge himself of the besetting sins and be made perfect for the Heavenly Kingdom.

[Lauren BaRecall]

No, when Jesus instituted the priesthood, He said to the Apostles, “What sins you shall forgive they will be forgiven....”

The attitude of the son who stayed home is similar to the attitude of those who were hired for vineyard work at the beginning of the day, when they found out they received the same wages as those who were hired at the end. God asks, “Are you angry because I am so generous?”

The Mercy of God is His greatest attribute because He wills It to be so.

[Larry Lucido]

Castro needs to meet Mussolini’s end. As to the hereafter, that’s out of my hands.

[SuziQ]

If Castro makes a sincere confession, he will receive absolution. It is up to the confessor, however, to decide on the penance required. It could be a real 'teachable moment' for the people of Cuba. As for his late in the day repentance, remember the parable of the workers in the field all getting paid the same wage, regardless of when they arrived to work.

God just wants us to return to him. Some never leave, some leave and come back, and some come late no matter how many chances they've been given throughout their lives. He's glad to see us at any time.

[Goreknowshowtocheat]

I would be curious how Fidel intends to make restitution for the lives he has taken. I did not think murderers could repent since they have not the means to restore what they have taken.