The Call to Forgiveness: Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

Jesus teaches his disciples the Our Father, as it is found in Matthew 6:7-15. It is the perfect prayer. It expresses our relationship with God and others. What is interesting is that immediately after teaching this prayer, Jesus emphasizes forgiveness:

"For 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."

Forgiveness is at the heart of our faith as Christians. Forgiveness reflects God’s mercy toward us and invites us to extend that same mercy to others. As we all know, forgiveness is difficult. It requires humility, letting go of resentment, and choosing love over bitterness.

The Lost Art of Kindness

Forgiving is one of the greatest obstacles toward kindness. When we hold onto grudges, we become hardened, and unable to offer the gift of spirit that kindness requires. Jesus invites us to break this cycle. Just as God is patient and merciful with us, we are called to do the same for others.

Kindness grows when we let go of past hurts and choose reconciliation over division. It does not mean ignoring injustice, but rather refusing to let anger define our hearts. Forgiveness is an act of kindness, not only toward others but also toward ourselves because it frees us from the burden of resentment.

Spiritual Thought

St. Teresa of Calcuttaoften spoke about the power of forgiveness, not just in our personal relationships but in the way we treat strangers, enemies, and those who have wronged us. She believed that true love is impossible without forgiveness since human weakness eventually leads to misunderstandings, hurts and failures. She said:

"If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive."

Her words challenge us to reflect:

Do we withhold love beause we refuse to forgive?
Are we willing to let go of past hurts so we can love more freely?
Can we be kind toward those who have treated us wrongly?

Short Prayer

"Father, soften my heart to forgive as you forgive me. Help me to let go of resentment and embrace the freedom of mercy. May my kindness today reflect the love You have shown me. Amen."