Tuesday, First Week of Lent

Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors;
and do not subject us to the final test,
but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:11-13

Forgiveness is a key to life, more importantly it is the key to heaven. Jesus gave us a very beautiful prayer that shows us what we are to do. Forgive, forgive and forgive.

When we have been hurt, and we forgive from our heart, how do we feel after? Release, a good feeling, the weight is gone.

When we hold back forgiveness because of being oppressed by credit card companies, or companies that demand more of you so you have less for your family, or from a spouse or neighbor who is abusive, to name a few, then we hold back God's forgiveness for us.

More importantly is when God forgives then we too need to forgive ourselves and others. There is a great freedom in forgiveness. That is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is very freeing when you enter it with an open heart. It delivers us from the very evil that keeps our heart closed.