“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us…”
Even many secular Americans can identify this passage from the “Our Father.” But what do the words mean in our practical lives? As Christians around the world complete the purifying season of Lent and prepare for the commemoration of Jesus’ Passion and Resurrection, the run-up to Easter provides an appropriate time for individuals of all faiths and none to consider the role forgiveness plays in our daily lives.
The Need for Forgiveness
In recent years, I have had two relationships — one professional, one personal — where my behavior precipitated a rupture. In both cases, I reflected on my actions, admitted to the other party where I had fallen short, and sought pardon. In both cases, I received … silence in reply.
My Catholic upbringing taught me that human sin, once confessed and absolved in the sacrament of Reconciliation, gets wiped away in God’s eyes. In practice, however, actions can linger, particularly in human memory.
In my case, I ended up losing two relationships I valued, while remembering my role in ending them. Even if the relationships had come to their conclusion, doing so following an exchange of views — even if it meant the other party yelled at me or refused to accept my apology — would have left something to mitigate my actions that precipitated the rupture. As it turned out, all I am left with is silence and the reminder of what I did.
Letting
