Lenten Meditation -- Second Tuesday of Great Lent

 

Source: oca.org

Love between sinners is essentially expressed in forgiveness. There is no other way. It cannot be otherwise. Forgiveness is the singular expression of love in this fallen world. If, therefore, we desire to be loved and forgiven by God—and even more if we know that as a matter of fact we are so loved and forgiven—then we must love and forgive each other. The lenten season exists for this purpose: to express the love of God for one another through mutual forgiveness. This is the teaching of Jesus Himself.

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mk. 11:25–26) 

—Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, The Lenten Spring