Be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Eph 4:32)
There are so many things that happen in life.
Inevitably, we end up hurting people.
Inevitably, we end up being hurt.
Forgiveness is such an important part of our lives. Not only is it a challenge from the very beginnings of our Church, it is also something that frees us.
Jesus died for us that we might be free of sin and death.
He died for us even though we hurt Him with our many sins.
He loved us so much that He forgave us and He continues to forgive us whenever we come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
He also challenges us to forgive one another.
That is the very tenet of the prayer that so many of us pray daily: the Our Father. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Forgiveness can be difficult. But, in the end, it frees us from the burden that we carry with us when we refuse or fail to forgive.
FAITH ACTION: Are you carrying a grudge? Forgive the person. Have you hurt someone? Ask for forgiveness. Have you been to confession lately? It might be time to celebrate that beautiful sacrament.