Forgiving and Forgiving

Lent is a time for "reconstruction", "restructuring", rebuilding, renewing, renovating, turning things around, spiritually, but sometimes, as in the case of forgiveness, it demands action:  going to someone we have offended and asking for forgiveness, or forgiving someone who has offended us.  There is a verbal interchange, sometimes, tears (or sorrow or of joy) and often concluding with a hug to "seal the deal." As we hear from today's gospel, there is no limit to forgiving:  "seventy-seven times" (Mt 18: 22)  (seven being the perfect number in Hebrew, indicating infinity.  Experience has shown that this is very hard to do without help from above, so prayer is an essential element in forgiving and reconciling. Praying the Our Father, and remembering God's forgiveness is a big component in forgiveness.  The grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation is another source of spiritual aid in this process.  When we confess the sin that separates us from the other, grace comes to make he face-to-face possible.  Dear God, help me to forgive and forgive and forgive, for you have forgiven me more times than I can count.
Bro. Rene