Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 524 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 524 - Part I. What does it mean to say, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”?

(Youcat answer) Merciful forgiveness -the mercy that we show to others and the mercy that we ourselves seek- is indivisible. If we ourselves are not merciful and do not forgive one another, God’s mercy will not reach our hearts.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2862) The fifth petition begs God's mercy for our offences, mercy which can penetrate our hearts only if we have learned to forgive our enemies, with the example and help of Christ.      

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Many people have a lifelong struggle with their inability to forgive. The deep blockade of being unreconciled is resolved only by looking to God, who adopted us “while we were yet sinners” (Rom 5:8). Because we have a kind Father, forgiveness and reconciliation in life are possible.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2838) This petition is astonishing. If it consisted only of the first phrase, "and forgive us our trespasses," it might have been included, implicitly, in the first three petitions of the Lord's Prayer, since Christ's sacrifice is "that sins may be forgiven." But, according to the second phrase, our petition will not be heard unless we have first met a strict requirement. Our petition looks to the future, but our response must come first, for the two parts are joined by the single word "as." 

(This question: What does it mean to say, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us”? is continued)