In this homily, Fr. Stephen Osburn reflects on what true forgiveness really means as we enter Great Lent. Drawing from a personal story from seminary, he shares the powerful definition given to him in confession: real forgiveness is being able to stand in the Kingdom of Heaven next to the person who hurt you and still say, “Glory to God for all things.”

As we prepare for the fast, we are reminded that resentment is heavy and distracts us from Christ. Forgiveness is not excusing sin. It is freeing our own heart so we can focus on repentance, prayer, and growing closer to God. Great Lent begins not just with fasting from food, but with letting go of anger and choosing mercy.