Forgive, and you will be forgiven (Monday, Lent 2)

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It is said that “to err is human, but to forgive is divine”. None of us can ever say that he or she has never done something wrong. And no right-thinking person should ever be proud of the wrongs which he or she has done; and that is why people seek to correct the damages or the wrongs which they have done. In order to correct the damages or the wrongs we have done, we begin by admitting it, we ask for forgiveness and we make amends for it.


One thing we must know for sure is that “to err is human” but the biggest error that we can ever commit is not to ask for forgiveness. “Error” is something we humans can easily identify with but “forgiveness” is divine. God forgives us whenever we err. And we are expected to forgive others because we share the divine life of God who readily forgives us whenever we sin.


The prayer of Daniel in Daniel 9:4b-10 is a passionate prayer for forgiveness addressed to God because of the sins of the people of Israel. Daniel confessed that they have sinned, done wrong, acted wickedly, rebelled against God and not obeyed His voice turning aside from His commandments. This confession is accompanied by his admission that “to God belong mercy and forgiveness”. He asked for forgiveness with the strength of the awareness that God will surely forgive and show mercy. To err is human, but to forgive is divine. And we know for sure that God forgave them their sins.


During this season of Lent, we are constantly reminded that “to God belong mercy and forgiveness” and He will always forgive us when we sin and do wrong. But we must be truly repentant and always seek to make amends for our sins. And this is what we do when we do penance and make atonement for our sins. God does not just want to forgive us; He also wants us to forgive others just as He always does for us. Forgiveness of others is so important to God that it even seems to be a condition upon which we can be forgiven by Him. And that is why Jesus said to His disciples, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37c).


When everyone readily and sincerely forgives, the vicious cycle and power of sin will gradually be broken. Forgiveness heals, liberates, atones and amends. During this season of Lent and beyond, let us make a commitment to forgive and let go.


Prayer:

God, give me the grace to ask for forgiveness and to readily forgive when offended, Amen!


Have a fruitful Lenten journey!

Happy New Month!



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