In the act of forgiveness there are two persons involved. The one who seeks forgiveness on one hand and the one to give forgiveness on the other hand. The first move comes from the one who wants to be forgiven. He acknowledges whatever failures or wrongdoing he has committed, is sorry for it and humbly asks for pardon. The one offended opens his mind and heart, welcomes the contrition and extends his forgiveness.
In the parable, the unmerciful servant was forgiven by God because he begged to be forgiven. When, however, a fellow servant, asked him for mercy and pardon, he denied the request and did not extend his forgiveness.
This two-way transaction is clearly seen in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The penitent who goes to Confession, usually starts by saying: “Father, forgive me for I have sinned.” After telling what sins he has committed, he says: “Father, I am sorry for all these sins, and I ask for pardon.” The priest, then, after giving some advice and penance gives the absolution saying: “I, in the name of Christ, now forgive you.”
Forgiveness, therefore, can be given if the one who committed something wrong first acknowledges the wrong he has done, is sorry for it, and asks for forgiveness. Then the victim, moved by compassion, responds with the act of forgiveness.
The act of forgiveness is not easy. As they say: “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Thus, one needs the grace from God to enable him to forgive. Inevitably, it is necessary that the offended party prays for God’s help, so that he will be empowered to forgive.
In my own life, I have been hurt by several people, most of whom are close to me. Each time this happened, I prayed for them and asked for the grace to be able to forgive. I actually lift up to God not only the person but my own hurts so as to unburden myself. I leave all these to God Who knows what is best for all. In my memory, there were two who humbly acknowledged the wrong they have done and made efforts to repair the action. The others, however, seem not to be aware of the hurts they have caused but I still pray for them. By God’s grace, I am prepared to extend my forgiveness if they come to ask for it.
by: Buddy Cagurangan
August 14, 2011
August 14, 2011
