During Lent we explored the possibility of 'giving' rather than 'giving up' for Lent. Now, in this beautiful month of Mary, we feel guided to broach the subject of forgiveness.
Saying 'sorry' can sometimes be very difficult for us to do. In fact, some of us cannot say sorry. Many of us spend our lives convincing others - and ourselves - that when things go wrong, it is always someone else's fault. This probably tells others more about ourselves and our shortcomings, than about the person we are blaming.
So, what is so wrong about being wrong once in a while? What would happen if we took the blame ourselves when we made mistakes? What exactly are we afraid of?
Perhaps we are afraid of not being forgiven. Perhaps we do not believe it is possible to forgive. Perhaps we have difficulty forgiving others.
In the prayer Jesus himself gave us, we ask God to forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us.
This 'as' is not unique in Jesus' teaching: 'You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect'; 'Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful'; 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.' It is impossible to keep the Lord's commandment by imitating the divine model from outside; there has to be a vital participation, coming from the depths of the heart, in the holiness and mercy of the love of God. Only the Spirit by whom we live can make 'ours' the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Then the unity of forgiveness becomes possible and we find ourselves forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2842).
The grace of forgiveness is threefold. The one who is forgiven is freed from guilt and blame. The one who forgives is freed from the chains of resentment. Both are united more closely to the Will of God. Forgiveness is an occasion for love, which brings great healing into our relationships.
With that in mind, let us resolve to love more deeply and warmly with each opportunity to forgive - or be forgiven. Let us open ourselves completely to the action of grace, and allow ourselves to be healed. Let it be a source of joy to all who know us that our forgiving love can be depended upon - always.
Saying 'sorry' can sometimes be very difficult for us to do. In fact, some of us cannot say sorry. Many of us spend our lives convincing others - and ourselves - that when things go wrong, it is always someone else's fault. This probably tells others more about ourselves and our shortcomings, than about the person we are blaming.
So, what is so wrong about being wrong once in a while? What would happen if we took the blame ourselves when we made mistakes? What exactly are we afraid of?
Perhaps we are afraid of not being forgiven. Perhaps we do not believe it is possible to forgive. Perhaps we have difficulty forgiving others.
In the prayer Jesus himself gave us, we ask God to forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us.
This 'as' is not unique in Jesus' teaching: 'You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect'; 'Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful'; 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.' It is impossible to keep the Lord's commandment by imitating the divine model from outside; there has to be a vital participation, coming from the depths of the heart, in the holiness and mercy of the love of God. Only the Spirit by whom we live can make 'ours' the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. Then the unity of forgiveness becomes possible and we find ourselves forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2842).
The grace of forgiveness is threefold. The one who is forgiven is freed from guilt and blame. The one who forgives is freed from the chains of resentment. Both are united more closely to the Will of God. Forgiveness is an occasion for love, which brings great healing into our relationships.
With that in mind, let us resolve to love more deeply and warmly with each opportunity to forgive - or be forgiven. Let us open ourselves completely to the action of grace, and allow ourselves to be healed. Let it be a source of joy to all who know us that our forgiving love can be depended upon - always.
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