“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Mt. 6:12) 

 

These words from the Lord’s Prayer are some of the most timeless and frequently repeated in human history.

 

The reference to the forgiveness of our debts speaks to the full process of reconciliation that we seek in this life. For that reason it is important as we complete the second half of our annual Lenten pilgrimage.

 

We spend each Lenten season reflecting on our personal sins. 

 

First and foremost we must take to heart that sins are not merely offenses against some abstract rule or regulation. That might be true if the commandments and the moral law were simply an agreed upon means of regulating conduct and human interactions.

 

But at the heart of every sin that we commit is “an offense against God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1850). Whether in a smaller matter or in the case of a mortal sin that completely separates us from God’s love, sin is an act of rebellion. And that rebellion is agreed to and carried out by each of us with each sinful act.

 

The first act of rebellion, of course, was the fall of Adam and Eve. Both had been placed in the created state of full friendship with God. But by disobeying God’s one commandment not to eat of the fruit of one tree in the Garden of Eden, the decision of Adam and Eve meant that the human race took upon itself a debt against its Creator.

 

That was the first debt from having offended the infinite dignity of God who merits our love and our acceptance of His divine will. Joined to that is the debt of rejecting the infinite love of God, a love that we were made to dwell in eternally.

 

Immediately after the offense against God’s love, the Book of Genesis describes the manner in which sin led the members of the human race to rack up a debt of evil against each other. 

 

Adam blames Eve for his decision to disobey God’s command (Gen. 3:12). The difficulties in relations between man and woman are foretold (Gen 3:3:16). And of course Cain kills Abel (Gen. 4:8). 

 

The rest of the Old and New Testament is rife with stories of human sin.

 

It is Jesus Himself who linked God’s forgiveness of our sins to our imitation of His mercy with those who sin against us. “If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” (Mt 6:14-15)

 

This Lent, we should reflect on whether there is someone in need of our forgiveness. Is there someone, maybe a family member, maybe a business associate, perhaps a neighbor, whom we avoid and toward whom we harbor bitterness? Our fasting and prayer can specifically be linked to asking God for the grace to overcome a hardness of heart or a deep hurt that keeps us from forgiving.

 

Having lifted this burden from our hearts, we will be much more ready to seek God’s pardon for ourselves. And in some ways we will have a greater understanding of the forgiveness that we must seek from our Heavenly Father.

 

As we close in on Be Reconciled Day, April 10, please pray and prepare for your Lent confession. Seek that forgiveness of sins, especially if you have been away from the sacrament or the Church for a long time.

 

On that day confessions will be heard in all the parish churches from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check your local church for specific times. 

 

As we forgive others, we will be forgiven. Be Reconciled Day is a perfect opportunity for both.