Contingent Forgiveness

Take some time to read through the passage, Matthew 6:9-15, then return to this reflection. 

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Our Father or Lord's Prayer is so well known. For many it is one of the first prayers we memorize as children. As children we recite it; as adults at Mass or in daily prayer we recite it. How often have you meditated upon the words? Have you ever spent time reflecting and praying through the implications of those exceptionally familiar words?

During this week we are focusing on forgiving others willingly. The Our Father adds a complication to this. We are given this prayer from Jesus with the discomforting line:

"forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors"

Take a moment to imagine the depth, breath, and all-encompassing nature of God's mercy and forgiveness that he offers to each and every human who has ever, ever walked the earth. That is the forgiveness we are asked to emulate. God's forgiveness is not contingent upon anything other than the human heart, mind, and soul turning to Him, asking forgiveness, and for the strength to live more holy in the future. 

Is that the forgiveness you offer to others?

Or does your forgiveness come with stipulations? Forgiveness offered only if the person admits to others their failings? Forgiveness only if we can dredge up the offense in the future so as to win our way or gain the person's acquiescence to our will? Forgiveness only after we have forced the person to endure uncertainty, pain, or ostracization?

"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."

It turns out there is a bit of a challenge that God places before us. If we claim to be Christian, if we claim to live like Jesus, then should not the lives we lead demonstrate God's forgiveness? If we hold those grudges and resentment, can we truly claim to be living like God, can we truly claim to be Christian? If we are not offering forgiveness, the first we need to do is turn to God and beg for His mercy. 

I challenge you this week to two things and two things only.

First, turn to God and seek his loving, merciful forgiveness. Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Second, begin the journey of forgiving others. Picka person you are struggling to forgive and be charitable towards. If you are yet unable to offer forgiveness, pray to more fully feel God's love and to see that person with His eyes. When you feel a flash of resentment or anger towards the person you are struggling to forgive, seek a charitable thought - some compliment, an admirable trait, or the fundamental reminder that even that person you so desperately struggle with is a beloved child of God, just like you.

Jennifer Delvaux
Director of Faith Formation

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