The First Word

The gospel writer of Luke reports that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”. How completely consistent of Jesus to offer forgiveness to those who were responsible for his agonizing pain and shameful disposition. Yet, his offer stands at the heart of the gospel. The good news offered to men and women is an offer to be forgiven of all of their sins and transgressions. This offer is a prompt to us to confess our sins and enter a period of fasting as we consider the love and grace of God. It is also a prompt o us to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us.