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

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

(Youcat answer repeated) 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 2843) Thus the Lord's words on forgiveness, the love that loves to the end (Cf. Jn 13:1), become a living reality. The parable of the merciless servant, which crowns the Lord's teaching on ecclesial communion, ends with these words: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart" (Cf. Mt 18:23-35). It is there, in fact, "in the depths of the heart," that everything is bound and loosed. It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession.

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 2844) Christian prayer extends to the forgiveness of enemies (Cf. Mt 5:43-44), transfiguring the disciple by configuring him to his Master. Forgiveness is a high-point of Christian prayer; only hearts attuned to God's compassion can receive the gift of prayer. Forgiveness also bears witness that, in our world, love is stronger than sin. The martyrs of yesterday and today bear this witness to Jesus. Forgiveness is the fundamental condition of the reconciliation of the children of God with their Father and of men with one another (Cf. 2 Cor 5:18-21; John Paul II, DM 14).      

 

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