Forgiveness is Freedom

Dear Salesian Family,

As we continue our Lenten journey let us keep in mind the three pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These pillars will sustain us as we take time to reflect on how Jesus gave His life for us.

It is time to deepen our faith through forgiveness. When we hear the word "forgiveness" we may shy away from it; we may question why we even have to consider it at all.

Forgiveness is a penance that requires hard work. It involves going through a serious examination of conscience. This is not easy. However, it is important to do this with sincerity and faith. Once we go through self-reflection it is essential to follow through with reconciliation. Reconciliation is the final step of true forgiveness.

We must start with ourselves; forgiving ourselves as we admit the difficulty we experience with our own struggles. It is at this point that we can begin to reach out and forgive others. We are all flawed, weak, human beings. Once we acknowledge our weaknesses we begin to make progress. Forgiveness removes the barriers we have put in place and the emotions we have carried for so long; emotions resulting from not giving ourselves the opportunity to forgive. Forgiveness and reconciliation make room for God’s loving grace, allowing us to experience a sense of peace. It is said that the path to true happiness and freedom is forgiveness. This practice will strengthen our spiritual life and give us the gift of being free and at peace.

God bless,

Sr. Carmen, FMA