Guest post by YSN 2010/11 writer Annette Gagliano
Often, when those we know do something wrong to us, we may feel the desire to get back at those individuals and to “teach them a lesson” for what they have done to us.
Start fresh this Christmas and give the gift of forgiveness to those around you--including yourself.
However, as Catholics, God calls us to not seek revenge or hold grudges in our lives. Rather, we are called to forgive every person who has hurt us, regardless of their faults and afflictions. Forgiveness is of utmost importance in our relationship with those around us and in strengthening our bond with the Lord.
The sacrament of Reconciliation serves as the gateway to forgiveness. Through Reconciliation, we confess all our sins to God and the burdens of our sins are no longer so heavy.
