We are called to share in one of the Divine attributes of God – FORGIVENESS. It is part of the human condition to sin, while forgiveness remains a divine attribute of God. To forgive, therefore, is to participate in one of the most important attributes of the nature of God. When one sins, one acts humanly, and when one forgives, one acts divinely. This therefore reminds us that we are all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. So, to be forgiven, we must first forgive others. This is reflected in the prayer our Lord Jesus taught us “FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US”. Forgiving others therefore becomes a conditio sine qua non (an essential condition) for the forgiveness of our own sins. It is pertinent to note that forgiveness is not only about forgiving others, but also about forgiving ourselves for past mistakes that seem to be haunting us, even after receiving forgiveness from God at the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Believe and trust in God that whatever He has forgiven is forgiven indeed. May the God of healing and restoration heal our spiritual wounds, restore in us peace and joy, and grant us the grace to be a forgiving people after the mind of Christ. Have a lovely and a grace-filled weekend.

– Fr. Cyprian Ihedoro