The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 363: Forgive Us Our Trespasses (2025)
8 snips
Dec 29, 2025 The struggle of forgiving those who have hurt us takes center stage. A powerful exploration of the Lord's Prayer reveals the challenge of 'forgive us as we forgive.' Fr. Mike discusses the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for an open heart. He highlights how our pain can be transformed into intercession through God’s grace. The parable of the Merciless Servant illustrates the importance of heartfelt forgiveness and its lasting impact on our spiritual journey.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Forgiveness Is Conditional In Prayer
- The Lord's Prayer ties our forgiveness to how we forgive others, making mercy conditional on our willingness to forgive.
- Fr. Mike emphasizes that this 'as' demands interior change, not merely prayerful requests for mercy.
Ask God For A Forgiving Heart
- Pray for God to soften your heart so you can forgive like Jesus, even for grave hurts or persecution.
- Rely on the Holy Spirit to give the strength to love, forgive, and pray for persecutors.
Confession Paired With Sacramental Hope
- Confession begins with admitting our wretchedness but pairs that with confidence in Christ's redeeming mercy.
- The sacraments provide an efficacious, certain sign of God's forgiveness despite our ongoing sinfulness.
