‘And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive… (CCC2838-2842)
Posted on January 10th 2010 in The catechism explained
The first petition, in seeking to hallow God’s name at the beginning of the prayer, draws us into seeking to become holy as well. The current petition recognises that the propensity to sin has not disappeared with faith in the Father, and the believer has to turn once again to the source of all forgiveness, the Father. However, this mercy cannot penetrate our hearts unless we have begun to forgive others. Love within the Body of Christ, the Church, is indivisible, and this petition forms a virtuous circle, of seeking and offering forgiveness. This cycle is impossible to begin unless through the explicit recognition of God’s gracious action. Jesus repeats this injunction when he demands perfection and mercy in imitation of the Father, all of which is summed up in His new commandment, ‘that you love one another even as I have loved you’. (Jn 13:34). This imitation can never be one of external coercion, but of an internal willing imitation. (To be continued).