<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">I forgive you.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Those just might be three of the most powerful words in the English language, especially when you are on the receiving end of hearing them. And, one is never too young to learn the value of asking for forgiveness.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">I witnessed this on a recent trip to Houston with my family.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">It was early December as my parents, younger sister, her three children and I traveled to Houston to see my niece perform in the Nutcracker ballet.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">My 6-year-old nephew was sitting next to his mother as we traveled back to Moss Bluff. He wanted to look at photos on her iPad. Instead of asking for the iPad, he raised his voice while grabbing it out of her hands hollering, “I want to look, Mommy.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">My sister calmly turned to him and said, “Joseph, don’t yell at me when you want something. You should ask nicely. Now, I think you owe me an apology.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">In his soft little voice he said, “Mommy, I’m sorry I yelled at you. Will you please forgive me?” To which my sister replied, “Yes, Joseph. I forgive you.” She then handed him the iPad.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">As I listened to what transpired between a mother and her child, my heart melted at the gentleness my sister showed to her son and the valuable lesson he was being taught. Instead of hollering back at him, she used the opportunity to teach him not only that his behavior was unacceptable, but also the importance of forgiveness when his actions fall short of what God expects.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">While each one of us has been created in the image of Christ, it can be a daily challenge to strive for that perfection of Christ.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Having been raised Catholic, I was taught early on about God’s gift of mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The question: “Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest?” is usually asked by those who don’t understand the practice of confession.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">One can turn to Scripture for the answer to know that Jesus gave priests the power to absolve sins by His grace.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">In John 20: 21-23, Jesus said to the apostles: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">It is true that God knows all of our sins whether or not we confess them. But in doing so, we reconcile our relationship with God when we go before Him and ask for His forgiveness — no matter how grave the sin might be.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Sin is real. It should never be ignored. With true contrition in our hearts and a sincere effort to amend our ways, God’s mercy has no limits.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">This is good news for all sinners, especially in this “Jubilee Year of Mercy” proclaimed by Pope Francis on Dec. 8, 2015. The Holy Father said that he wants to see a greater use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this “Year of Mercy” that concludes on Nov. 20. He wants all dioceses to increase access to the sacrament, especially during Lent.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">This initiative, “24 Hours for the Lord”, will be a time for several churches in each diocese to remain open for 24 hours with priests available for confession throughout.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">In the Diocese of Lake Charles, confessions will be heard at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church from 2 p.m. on March 4 to 2 p.m. on March 5. Modified hours will be in place at other sites including:</span>

<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: ‘Zapf Dingbats’;" class="R~sep~ACopyBody">l</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Sulphur from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 4, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5.</span>

<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: ‘Zapf Dingbats’;" class="R~sep~ACopyBody">l</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Oberlin from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 4.</span>

<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-family: ‘Zapf Dingbats’;" class="R~sep~ACopyBody">l</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 5.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">It is important to point out that the Jubilee Year of Mercy is not just about mercy shown us by God, but we must also show mercy to others. Pope Francis particularly recommends living out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Among the spiritual works of mercy is admonishing the sinner. One should never judge, but — with love and compassion — guide others towards the path of salvation, realizing that we all fall at times on our faith journey. “Remove the wooden beam from your eye first, then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:5)</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Saying, “I’m sorry” is something most of us learn as children, just as my nephew is being taught. As we grow older, those same words can be more difficult to say with sincerity. Likewise, forgiving others can be equally challenging, but Jesus teaches that we should forgive as God forgives — without limit.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">Plain and simple: forgiveness transforms hearts and lives. God is waiting for you with open arms to make it happen.</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyBody">After all, God is all about second chances. It’s never too late to start again.</span>

<span class="AZaphdingbatdot7pt~sep~R">l</span>

<span class="R~sep~ACopyEditors~sep~endnote">Email Life Editor</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; font-family: ‘Myriad Pro’;" class="R~sep~ACopyEditors~sep~endnote">Pamela Seal</span> <span class="R~sep~ACopyEditors~sep~endnote">at pseal@americanpress.com.</span>