March 17: Father, Forgive Them

Fifth Sunday of Lent

The promise made by the Lord in the first reading is very bold. He says that all people shall know him, without having to be taught by others. He doesn’t restrict the promise to only the holiest people: He says that the way people will know Him is through forgiveness of their sins. Remember, he is speaking to the Israelites, who had so many laws and commandments, they needed scribes and Pharisees to keep track of them. When they broke a commandment or law, they were isolated from the community. So the promise that God would place his law in their hearts meant they would be free to do God’s will because they want to, not because they were feared punishment or rejection.

Jesus says something similar in today’s gospel. He tells the disciples that his crucifixion would draw everyone to him. Now, Jesus’ death showed that he took on the punishment for sins in place of us, who deserve it. In Luke’s gospel he even prays for those who crucified him, asking God’s forgiveness. (Lk 23:34) By dying on the cross, Jesus shows how much God loves us. By rising from the dead, he shows that we can rise from sin to a new life of faith and love.

Getting back to the first reading, we experience that promise when we bring our sins to God. When we forgive people who have hurt us, we also help them to experience that love. After all, if I can forgive someone, surely God will forgive them. We also help others to know God when we share or experience of being forgiven. Still not sure if God has forgiven you? The sacrament of Reconciliation gives us the assurance of God’s forgiveness, as well as the experience. Along with the other sacraments, it helps us keep God’s love in our hearts.