Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, reflects on forgiveness as one of the central teachings of Jesus and an essential part of Christian life. This teaching is especially important in a culture where relationships can easily be broken; siblings stop speaking to one another, children become estranged from parents, coworkers hold grudges, and people may quickly reject those who have hurt or offended them. Past wounds can continue to affect our present and future when we allow resentment to remain in our hearts.
Fr. Anthony encourages us to make forgiveness a daily spiritual practice. Every evening we can examine our conscience: Did I sin against someone today? Is there someone I am refusing to forgive? We can ask God for forgiveness and for the grace to forgive others, praying with Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We can bring specific people before the Lord; family members, friends, coworkers, or anyone who has wounded us—and choose again to forgive them.
Holding on to unforgiveness can become a spiritual burden and hinder us from fully receiving God’s grace. Because we are all sinners in need of mercy, Christians are called to live with hearts that continually give what they themselves have received.
Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, reflects on forgiveness as one of the central teachings of Jesus and an essential part of Christian life. This teaching is especially important in a culture where relationships can easily be broken; siblings stop speaking to one another, children become estranged from parents, coworkers hold grudges, and people may quickly reject those who have hurt or offended them. Past wounds can continue to affect our present and future when we allow resentment to remain in our hearts.
Fr. Anthony encourages us to make forgiveness a daily spiritual practice. Every evening we can examine our conscience: Did I sin against someone today? Is there someone I am refusing to forgive? We can ask God for forgiveness and for the grace to forgive others, praying with Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” We can bring specific people before the Lord; family members, friends, coworkers, or anyone who has wounded us—and choose again to forgive them.
Holding on to unforgiveness can become a spiritual burden and hinder us from fully receiving God’s grace. Because we are all sinners in need of mercy, Christians are called to live with hearts that continually give what they themselves have received.
