Forgiveness in Lord's Prayer

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Eleventh Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 6:7-15*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 11:1-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15*

*Forgiveness in Lord's Prayer*

*1) Forgiveness Is a Request and a Condition*

We ask God to forgive us, but the prayer also includes a condition: *“as we also have forgiven.”*

This suggests a reciprocal relationship: the forgiveness we receive is connected to the forgiveness we offer.

God’s mercy is not a one-way gift we consume selfishly, but something that must transform us and flow through us to others (see Matthew 18:21–35 — the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant).

*2) Acknowledgment of Our Sinfulness*

When we pray for forgiveness, we acknowledge that we are sinners, in need of God’s mercy.

The Greek word for *“debts”*  can also mean moral or spiritual obligations, showing that sin is a debt to God.

Confession in prayer is not about self-condemnation, but honest humility before a gracious God (see 1 John 1:9).

*3) Call to Mirror Divine Mercy*

Jesus explicitly teaches in Matthew 6:14–15, immediately after the Lord’s Prayer:

*“If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others... neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”*

We are called to mirror God’s mercy. 

Forgiving others is not optional—it is a sign that we have truly received and understood God’s forgiveness

*4) Forgiveness Builds Community*

The Lord’s Prayer uses plural pronouns: *“our Father... our debts... our debtors.”* 

Forgiveness is not just a personal matter but essential for community harmony.

Without forgiveness, relationships break down. Forgiveness is the healing balm that maintains peace and unity in families, churches, and societies 

*5) Forgiveness Is Ongoing*

The prayer is daily (*"Give us this day our daily bread"*), suggesting that forgiveness is also a daily need, both in giving and receiving.

Christians are called to live a lifestyle of forgiveness, not an occasional act. 

Just as bread is daily nourishment, forgiveness is also a daily spiritual nourishment

*6) Forgiveness at the Heart of the Gospel*

The Lord’s Prayer teaches that forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel—a gift we receive and a grace we must share. 

It invites us into a deeper communion with God and with others, where mercy reigns over judgment, and where hearts are healed through the power of grace.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*