November, the month of the Poor Souls, seems like an appropriate time to reflect on forgiveness. Jesus died “that sins may be forgiven.” (Matt 25:28). We are reminded of this central dogma of our Faith during the consecration of every Mass.
Often it is not easy to believe that forgiveness is ours for the asking, possibly because in our heart of hearts we are painfully aware of our sinfulness. Or it may be that because it is so difficult for us to forgive ourselves and others, it is hard to believe that God’s forgiveness is so freely given.
Part of this difficulty probably stems from the fact that the “law of the talion” (retaliation) that is “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Deit 19:21) is deeply imbedded in our culture. But Jesus specifically repudiates the pagan and Old Testament teaching of retaliation in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matt 18:21-35) where he teaches we must forgive “not seven, but seventy times seven times.”
Christianity is counter cultural. This teaching of Jesus, like others that make us uncomfortable, is easily passed over quickly. We become so familiar with the words that the meaning escapes us. For instance,
in the Lord’s Prayer, how often do we pray to the Father to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others?” (Matt 5:12).
We are forgiven and we are called to forgive others. “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Matt 5:14-15)
This is a good time to ask God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession. Forgiveness cleanses. How great we feel after a good confession. Similarly, a burden is lifted from us when we forgive others.
This is a good time to rid ourselves of the anger and resentment that poison us by forgiving those who have injured or offended us.
And while we are at it we need forgive ourselves. The Father has.
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