The 1st Word – Forgiveness
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34
We’re familiar with Lent being a season of repentance; in fact, we hear “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” as we receive ashes on our foreheads. During Lent, we seek forgiveness. But how often do we offer it?
As Jesus hung on the cross, he pleaded with his Father to forgive his tormentors, at whose hands he suffered unimaginable pain.
Sometimes, in our relationships with others, the only thing more difficult than humbling ourselves to ask forgiveness is to truly grant it. To fully forgive. To not let resentment continue to linger inside of us.
Jesus’s last words remind us that God’s forgiveness knows no boundaries. We need God’s help and grace to be able to forgive in such a way.
Do we place limits on what we are willing to forgive?
Listen to the 2-minute audio preview on Hallow at https://hallow.com/prayers/1005512. Extended audio (5-, 7- and 10-minutes versions) and text mediations, including writings from various Saints, is available to Hallow subscribers. For those who are not subscribers, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial at https://hallow.com/.
Text and graphics from Hallow Catholic Prayer and Meditation Website – https://hallow.com/