A Lenten retreat: Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:33-34).

Forgiveness was so central to Jesus’ life and teaching. He knew well that its lack can destroy individuals and poison relationships. In St. Luke’s Gospel (used all this year) forgiveness is so highlighted that some commentators call it “the Gospel of the Great Pardons.”

Each week during Lent, redemptorists.net features a written reflection on the coming Sunday’s Gospel. Each one will try to offer some insight into what God’s Word might mean for our Lenten journey today. The last reflection in the series will be posted next Wednesday.

On the same page with the written reflections, you’ll find Lenten audio talks preached by Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. This week’s topic is "Mary and the Paschal Mystery."

We hope these offerings will help you on your spiritual walk through Lent and lead you to a joyful Easter. May Our Mother of Perpetual Help be with us along the way.