St. Mary Roman Catholic Parish in Chandler recently asked parishioners to consider what right there is in withholding forgiveness when it is the very thing we most need ourselves.

It is human to want the person who committed the offense to not forget their wrong, but doing so breeds resentment and anger. Staying bound to those destructive feelings results in being stuck in sin and separates us from ourselves, others and God. 

Self-reflection shows that when we are the ones in need of forgiveness, it is what we want more than anything else. This is clearly demonstrated in our relationship with God.

Offering forgiveness does not mean that the hurt or wrongdoing is overlooked or excused. Forgiveness is not an eraser or memory wiper. Instead, forgiveness is an act of freedom that acknowledges deep feelings of hurt and asks for accountability from the one who has done the hurting. It allows us to not only recognize our own brokenness, but to accept that even the most holy have the ability to falter. Forgiveness offers restoration and wholeness for everyone.

God offers this grace to us. Why wouldn't we offer it to each other?