In a certain church in Spain, there is an ancient crucifix held in deep reverence, for, strange to say, the right arm of the figure of Christ is unnailed and hangs down.  Legend has it that a great sinner one day confessed his sins beneath the crucifix with every mark of firm resolve and sincere contrition.

The priest hesitated before granting the absolution because the poor man's sins were so heinous and so numerous.  The delay distressed the sinner and he implored pardon.  "I will absolve you," said the priest, "but do not fall again."  The sinner promised, was absolved and went away.  He remained faithful for a long time to his promise, but at last he was weak and fell again.

Once again he appeared before the same priest and under the same crucifix, but the confessor said:"I cannot absolve you this time."  But the penitent pleaded:  "I repent, I was sincere when I promised the last time but the temptations were great and I am weak."  Convinced that all the conditions for a good confession were present, the confessor absolved him but added:  "This is the last time."

A long time elapsed and then, through habit on one hand, and weakness on the other, the poor man fell again into sin.  Presenting himself to the confessor who had absolved him on the two previous occasions, the priest said:  "This time it is useless; your repentance is not sincere."  In spite of the pleadings of the poor sinner and his promises of amendment, the priest said: "I cannot absolve you at this time."

At that instant sobs were heard coming, not from the sinner, but from the crucifix.  The hand of the figure of Christ because detached from the cross and indicated, by tracing the Sign of the Cross, that the man was to be absolved, while a voice said to the priest:  "You did not shed your blood for him as I did."

Taken from "In Love With The Divine Outcast"