Few words in the Christian faith carry as much weight as the word forgive. It is simple to say, yet deeply demanding when we are called to live it. Forgiveness stands at the very centre of the Christian life, for it was upon the Cross that Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

We live in a world where resentment has taken root in a large part of society. People hold on to offences until bitterness becomes part of their identity. Disagreements turn into divisions, and small wounds grow into walls between families and friends. Forgiveness is often treated as something old-fashioned or weak. Yet the refusal to forgive slowly poisons the heart. It keeps us chained to anger and denies us the peace that God desires for His children.

When we pray the words of the Our Father, we speak a truth that leaves no room for pride. We ask God to forgive us as we forgive others. It is a sacred exchange in which we receive mercy only as we show mercy. Forgiveness is not optional for those who follow Christ. It is part of what it means to walk in His light.

Forgiveness is not the same as excusing evil or pretending that wrong never occurred. It does not erase justice. It is the decision to surrender our right to vengeance and to entrust the matter to God, who alone judges perfectly. In that surrender lies freedom. We step away from the endless circle of retribution and begin to live as children of peace.

To forgive is to imitate Christ Himself. It is to stand beside Him in the garden and whisper with trembling faith, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” It requires more courage to release an injury than to strike back. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is love that has learned to be strong.

True forgiveness often begins quietly within prayer. Sometimes we cannot yet forgive, but we can ask God to make us willing to move toward it. Even the smallest desire to forgive is already a sign of grace working in the heart. Over time, the wound begins to close and the soul begins to breathe again. When we forgive, we discover that the healing is as much for us as for the one who wronged us. Resentment binds us, but forgiveness sets us free. It renews our relationship with the Lord and restores our ability to love others without fear.

To forgive in today’s world is an act of courage. It defies the spirit of anger that fills so much of public life. In our homes, workplaces, and online conversations, forgiveness can become a witness to the living presence of God. If Christians everywhere chose mercy over bitterness, the world would see grace made visible. The example of one forgiving heart can often speak more powerfully than a hundred homilies.

Forgiveness is a choice, an act of will, and a prayer offered to God. It may have to be renewed many times, yet each act of forgiveness draws us nearer to the peace of Christ. Through it we share in His work of redemption and find rest for our souls. When we forgive, we open the door for grace to enter. We make space in our hearts for God to dwell. Only the forgiving heart knows true peace, and only the forgiving soul can rest securely in His mercy.

May we forgive often and without keeping count. In doing so, we shall find that the love of God has already begun to make all things new within us.

May God bless you +

Fr. Charles