Forgiveness means to let go of past grudges or lingering anger against another person or persons. In the spirit of true charity, we erase a debt owed to us. Where one can say the law demands justice, forgiveness is the free choice to forgo it in order to obtain a greater good. God established justice through Moses and the law; but that is not all he wished to do. In order to restore the sinner, healing is necessary; and so God sent His son to forgive our sins.   On the cross, Jesus forgave all sinners, even the ones who crucified him.  He forgave those who accused him, those who condemned him, those who denied him, those who abandoned him, even those who were indifferent or ignored him.   Jesus taught his disciples that if you wish to be my disciple, you must do the same. If you wish your sins to be forgiven, you must be willing to forgive those who have sinned against you. This is not an easy task, especially to forgive those who have hurt us deeply.   Yet, it is possible… and it is powerful.

One thing to note is that there is a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Reconciliation requires cooperation on the part of both parties. We cannot always accomplish that. Forgiveness, however, requires only the action of one; namely ourselves. It is a free choice and even when it is not possible to reconcile, we can still forgive.

Lent is the time to focus on this forgiveness; those we need to forgive and also those who have forgiven us. The first requires prayer, an honest examination, and a determined effort to let go of the offense. The second is perhaps more important for it gives us an incentive and even a reason to be grateful. For if others have forgiven our offenses, is it not possible for us to do the same? And if Jesus forgave us from the cross, is it not possible to believe his words are true? Don’t let this Lent go by without taking time to acknowledge your sins and to ask forgiveness. Also, don’t let this Lent go by without expressing gratitude for those who have been generous enough to forgive you. Both are important. God gave us law that we might live in justice; but He gave us Jesus that we might be healed of our failure to live up to the law—for we have all sinned.  If you forgive others, you will experience forgiveness; and if you have experienced forgiveness, then you will celebrate Easter in a whole new way.  Forgiveness is the power to heal and change us.  It is the power to create new life.   

Don’t forget…There is a Penance Service this Wednesday, March 22nd at 7 pm in the church. Also, confessions are heard each morning at 7:30 am and on Saturdays from 3-4 pm. The best thing you could give up for Lent is your sins.