Embracing Forgiveness: A Path to Peace

Embracing Forgiveness: A Path to Peace

One of the most challenging struggles, often exploited by the Devil to disrupt the peace instilled in our hearts by the Son of God, is the grace of forgiveness.

For many, myself included, the toughest battle in this campaign revolves around self-forgiveness. "I just can’t forgive myself for my past misdeeds," is a lament I frequently hear from within.

My usual response? "You have to learn to forgive yourself."

However, I'm beginning to question whether this is truly the best approach.

I am reminded of the encounter between the Risen Lord and Peter at the Sea of Tiberias (Jn. 21: 15-19). Peter, haunted by memories of his three-fold denial of his Master, meets Jesus. What strikes me most about this encounter is not what Jesus says, but what He does not say.

Instead of condemning His beloved friend to self-condemnation, Jesus transforms the struggle into an invitation to accept His boundless love. He offers Peter the freedom from self-contempt that the Devil seeks to impose.

"Follow Me," Jesus beckons as the pathway forward. "Replace self-despair with the blessed assurance of My love for you, and you will find forgiveness. Live in that forgiveness!"

This offer extends to each of us as well.

Fr. Mike French, SJ