As a priest, one of the more meaningful experiences in the ministry is to hear confessions of people who are about to transition to the next life. Typically, it is a long confession:

• There is a lot of reminiscing, as far  back as childhood
• One can sense the guilt of not apologizing or making up for the pain and damage – or both
• One can sense the fear – facing God who sees everything in our nakedness – no money, no power, no fame, no pedigree, nothing from this world.

Further, after the confession, the typical question is, “Has God really forgiven me of my sins?”

The well-known parable of the prodigal son gives us an image of a father who is waiting for his son’s return and a father who forgives no matter the pain he has experienced. In the Jewish tradition, once a son asks for his inheritance, he considers his father dead.  In other words, love and forgiveness go hand in hand.

That is why when it comes to forgiveness Jesus said do not forgive seven times, which in the Jewish tradition means a lot. Forgive instead, seventy-seven times, which means always. Which only means God always forgives.

That is why in the Mass, we have three prayers:

• First, for our loved ones who passed away to the next life – may God forgive their sins and grant them everlasting peace and happiness.
• Second, we pray as we journey here on earth. May we have the strength to forgive. As usual, the hardest to forgive are those whom we loved – love and forgiveness indeed. It is not really for the other person. For all we know that person is not asking for forgiveness and may even continue to hurt us. However, forgiveness is for ourselves – that we may move on and let go. After all, life is short and swift. Besides as we always pray: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
• Third, we pray that we may forgive ourselves. None of us live perfect lives. May we stop blaming ourselves for things in the past that cannot be undone anymore. Instead, these are lessons learned. May we move on stronger, wiser, more forgiving, and wiser. Besides, as the saying goes, “God has forgiven us, why can’t we forgive ourselves.”

We remember the bible quotation: “Be perfect just as your Father is perfect.” The only way we can do so, amidst our humanity, is through love and forgiveness. When you love and when you forgive, you cannot go wrong.