In the “Our Father” we pray “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” These words sum up the theme that is found in today’s readings, forgiveness.
Forgiveness should be seen as it is presented to us upon the cross. It was here that the Lord laid down His life in order that we may be redeemed. Here we are able to cry out to the Lord, “forgive us our trespasses.” In the sacrament of confession we desire to receive the mercy of God and so we must also realize that God is forgiving of all those who have trespassed against us.
For this reason we proclaim that “the Lord is kind and merciful.” Despite the many times that we have wondered away and entered into a life of sin the Lord continues to forgive those who come to Him with a contrite heart. As with the prodigal son who wondered away from his father returns to him and his mercy we notice that the father is waiting for his return in order that he may rush out and embrace him. So too does the Father wait for our returns and rushes out in His mercy to heal us.
Forgiveness is something that we desire for our self, but can find difficult to offer to another who has wronged us in some way. The Gospel of Saint Matthew instructed us that we must forgive “not seven times but seventy-seven times.” This is to stress the importance of forgiveness for the perfect number of 7 is stressed. Therefore, we must perfectly come to forgive our neighbor of whatever we are latching onto.
In “The Great Divorce” CS Lewis takes the reader on a bus ride which takes on the analogy of our journey towards Heaven. Part of this journey is the reality of Purgatory and thus individuals must face those dispositions that keep them from Heaven. There are those here who must face that very person whom they have wronged in their heart through their own hatred and be moved towards forgiveness. So too we must allow ourself to be moved towards such forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not accepting a wrong that has befallen us as being good. Forgiveness is not becoming best friends with someone who has wronged us. Forgiveness is not looking the other way when something unhealthy is taking place. Forgiveness does not mean that we must now speak to the individual in question. Forgiveness is our ability to let go of all that we hold onto in this life in order that we may be set free. Forgiveness allows us to find that peace that we are in need of.
In order that we may grow in such forgiveness let us be moved back to the sacraments of the Church. Through the sacrament of confession we open our heart to the mercy of God that forgives us of our sins. Through our reception of the Most Holy Eucharist we come to receive Christ into our life. Through Christ we are sent outward in order that we may be more charitable with all those whom we encounter especially those who are most difficult.
How is God calling you towards such forgiveness today? Is there something that you must bring to the mercy of God and leave it with Him in order that you may be reconciled with Him and live?
