The Gospel of Luke, chapter 7:47

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to forgive a little child. A wide-eyed five-year-old looks up at you after tearing his or her room asunder and says, “I’m sorry.” And what happens? You forgive. Add twelve years to that child’s age. Now, a teenager, your child comes to you after crashing the car and says, “I’m sorry.” And what happens? Do you forgive? Today’s gospel presents the case of a woman seeking the Lord’s forgiveness, armed only with love.

The woman in the gospel story was a public sinner, and her life-style was common knowledge to everyone. Yet, Jesus forgave her once she showed that her love was greater than her sin.

Reconciliation seems to be at the heart of Jesus’ ministry. He spent his energies in forgiving and in drawing people back to God. He summoned his followers to become engaged in the ministry of reconciliation by giving them the Sacrament of Reconciliation-“whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven”.

It is not easy for people to respond to that summons. It is difficult to ask for forgiveness since it hurts our pride. It is also difficult to forgive over and over again, especially if we don’t see some worthwhile change on the part of the one forgiven.

Forgiveness is an act of faith. It requires patience and practice. If we lose our patience or get out of practice, it becomes harder and harder for us to forgive.

Practice forgiveness daily. Forgive in your home, at your work, in your play.

Fr. Hugh Duffy