Forgiveness

Gospel: Luke 23:1-49 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."

EVERYBODY WOULD agree that forgiving an offender or law-breaker is very difficult; for some it is almost impossible to do. In fact, many would want a leader of a society who would punish and even vanish the corrupt, and maleficent members. One needs to find an extra-strong reason to forgive and give another chance or chances to the wrongdoer. Jesus, the Son of God made man, who was judged unjustly, beaten, mocked and shamed, nailed to the cross, cried out loudly to His Father to forgive those who inflicted a most inhuman sufferings to Him. The Savior taught and showed to all humanity that in forgiving and in dying there is peace, happiness and life. Every human being should learn this basic attitude of forgiveness as Jesus did in life.

Learning to forgive means first of all knowing how to ask forgiveness from others. We need to be aware that we are the first offenders; that we are the ones who have failed Someone or some others in our life. If we think that we are not sinners, and that we have not failed others at all, then we don't see the need to ask forgiveness and we cannot forgive others too. But if we are humble and sincere, we would easily admit the truth that we have failed God who has given us life and all that we are. We would realize that in our life and work, God has no place or has very little importance and we just do what we want and what we think is right. Yet, the reality is that God, who mercy and compassion, gives us all the necessary graces to live and work in Him, with Him and through Him.

The days of the Holy Week reminds not only the believers but also the whole world of Jesus' suffering, death on the cross and His resurrection in order to grant salvation to anyone whowants to be forgiven of his sins and enjoy peace, happiness and eternal life with Jesus. The good news is that every day of our life, the Merciful God is ready to forgive us. We need only to come to Him and humbly ask His love and mercy.