In the midst of hectic schedules, it’s easy to forget things. We may forget to send a birthday card to a friend or forget to buy milk at the store. Often, however, we are good at remembering those things we ought to forget—the times when we’ve been offended or sinned against. We replay the soundtrack of the argument, or the difficult situation, and hold onto those grudges for years or even lifetimes. We wear resentment and hurt like a shawl. Sadly, in this attitude of victimization, we often block out our own sins and shortcomings. We ignore the plank in our own eye while we examine in full detail the speck in our neighbor’s eye. We forget that every sin offends God, holy and just as He is. We don’t make amends with our neighbors or even confess our sins to God. However, our God is not only holy and just, but also full of compassion. We don’t deserve mercy, but God gives it. We don’t merit forgiveness, but God bestows it. Our Lord, on this Maundy Thursday, reminds us that He has forgiven our sins and will remember them no more. What comfort that is—and well worth remembering!
O God, holy and merciful, we thank You for Your tender compassion, for forgiving our sins and remembering them no more. Amen.
