Forgiveness is the greatest miracle, inextricably linked with the resurrection.
I read that the message of the resurrection is that a dead body can be raised again from its grave. But this isn’t just true for our physical bodies, which die, but it’s also true, especially, for hearts that are frozen and dead from disappointment, bitterness, anger, separation and hatred, The miracle of the resurrection is as much about raising deadened souls to new life as it is about raising dead bodies to new life.
Look upon the crucifix to understand forgiveness. It is not just an emotion, it is a choice. In Luke 23:34, Jesus prays from the cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”
Every time we forgive, we are, in a certain sense, calling to mind again the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and trying to strive to imitate that model. So I don’t think forgiveness is something we can fully accomplish without God’s help. It’s something that needs grace.
Forgiveness is shared throughout the Bible, notably in the popular Gospel stories of the Samaritan woman, the prodigal son and St. Peter in his denial of Christ and Jesus’ later response of “Do you love me?” In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus tells Peter to forgive “not seven times but 77 times.” It is why those who sin, who have found reconciliation with God but have yet to forgive themselves, need to go to Mass and Communion, no matter how unworthy they may feel.
Jesus after his resurrection could have said, ‘OK, those 12 guys didn’t work out so well so I’m going to get me 12 whole new disciples.’ I love the fact He went back to the exact same guys and said, ‘OK guys, I know everything you did, the good and the bad, I still want you. I don’t give up on you.
How many times has Jesus forgiven you? Speaking for myself, far more than 7 times 77. He will forgive you as many as the times which you ask for that forgiveness.
“My child. Do not lose heart in coming for pardon, for I am always ready to forgive you. As often as you beg for it, you glorify My mercy.” Divine Mercy in my soul # 1488
O Most Holy Trinity! As many times as I breathe, as many times as my heart beats, as many times as my blood pulsates through my body, so many thousand times do I want to glorify Your mercy. I want to be completely transformed into Your mercy and to be Your living reflection, O Lord.