The Logic of Forgiveness in Lord's Prayer

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season : Lenten Season :  First Week :  Tuesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 6:7-15*

*First Reading : Is 55:10-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : 34: 4-19*

*The Logic of Forgiveness in Lord's Prayer*

*1) The “Logic” of Forgiveness*

The key line is: “Forgive us… as we forgive…”

This is not merely a comparison (“forgive us in the same way”), but a spiritual relationship between receiving and giving mercy.

The logic works in three connected ways:

*A) Forgiveness reflects the heart* : Forgiving others reveals that a person has truly understood God’s mercy. If I have deeply experienced God’s forgiveness, I become capable of forgiving.

*B) Forgiveness shows openness to grace* : Refusing to forgive hardens the heart. A hardened heart cannot receive mercy freely. It’s not that God is unwilling — it’s that the person has closed themselves to mercy.

*C) Forgiveness belongs to the Kingdom life* : In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes the inner life of the Kingdom. Forgiveness is not optional; it is part of living as a child of the Father.

*2) How Does God the Father Forgive Us?*

In Matthew’s Gospel, God forgives: Freely, Compassionately, Out of Fatherly love, Before we deserve it

This is seen even more clearly in: The parable of the unforgiving servant (Mt 18:21–35). The mercy-centered teaching of Jesus throughout the Gospel

God’s forgiveness is: Initiated by grace, Received through repentance, Connected to transformation of heart

God forgives as a Father — but Fatherhood implies relationship, not mechanical transaction.

*3) Is God’s Forgiveness Conditioned on Our Forgiving Others?*

This is the hardest part : At first glance, it sounds strictly conditional: “If you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive.”

But we must understand this carefully.

It is not A legal contract, 

It is not A system of earning forgiveness,

It is not a A transaction: “I forgive → God pays me back”

It is: A spiritual law of the heart

Think of it this way: Forgiveness received → softens the heart, Softened heart → forgives others

Refusal to forgive → reveals a heart not yet transformed

In this sense, our forgiveness of others is not the cause of God forgiving us — it is the evidence that we have received His mercy.

*4)  Mercy Cannot Be Divided*

You cannot divide mercy into two directions: Upward (toward God) and Outward (toward others)

If I ask God for mercy but deny it to others, I contradict myself.

Jesus is exposing hypocrisy: “Lord, forgive me” while saying “But I will not forgive him.” This is spiritually incoherent.

*5) A Deeper Spiritual Insight*

Forgiveness is participation in God’s own life.

God’s mercy flows like this: God → Me → Others

If I block the flow toward others, I block it within myself.

It is similar to a closed fist: A closed fist cannot give. A closed fist also cannot receive.

*6) Practical Reflection Questions*

When I pray “forgive us,” do I mean it?

Is there someone I am refusing to release?

Have I truly experienced God’s mercy personally?

Is my heart soft or guarded?

*7) Points to Ponder*

The Lord’s Prayer teaches this paradox: We do not forgive in order to earn forgiveness. We forgive because we are forgiven.

God’s forgiveness is primary. Our forgiveness is responsive. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*