Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Why are we sometimes harsher with others than God is with us? We need to learn from God’s mercy.
If God has forgiven us over and over again, should we not do the same when someone asks us to forgive them more than once or twice.
Husband and wives must forgive each other often. Parents and children must do the same. Friends are constantly overlooking remarks that might be hurtful.
Of course, we put this in the category of easier-said-than-done.
Yes, forgiveness from the heart is difficult. And forgiveness does not mean that we need to continue living in abusive relationships. Far from it!
Still, it is good to know that if God asks us to forgive seventy-seven times, God Himself is willing to forgive us an infinite number of times. All we need to do is turn to him, confess our sins (serious ones to a priest in sacramental confession), have an intention not to sin again (even though we know we aren’t particularly good at this), show contrition, be open to receiving God’s healing grace of forgiveness, and do a form of penance to help repair the damage that we have done.
Here is a video on the Sacrament of Reconciliation and how to approach going to Confession.