Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach

About this Book:

Whether we are uncertain what real forgiveness looks like, are tired of forgiving, or don't know where to start, Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach offers spiritual considerations and practical guidance.

"In Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach, Father R. Scott Hurd writes of the spiritual, psychological, physical, and social benefits of learning how to forgive and find peace. Drawing from his pastoral experience, in twenty-four short chapters, Father Hurd examines how human weakness affects such things as our ability to forgive and reconcile, our capacity to trust, and how we cope when a plea for forgiveness is rejected by a person we have wronged. We learn that through these very experiences, we find in Jesus Christ and the sacraments a way to move forward toward healing.

"The first question Father Hurd addresses is one that perplexes many people, "why forgive?" Here we learn that forgiveness is essential for human growth and flourishing. Forgiveness is not only a human experience; it is an expression of God's love and mercy. Forgiveness is at once deeply personal and an opportunity for sharing the Good News. As participants in the New Evangelization, our acts of forgiveness and reconciliation offer people an experience of God's love. Father Hurd writes, "Forgiveness from our hearts can turn others' hearts toward God."

"All of us know that there is more to forgiveness than simply saying "I'm sorry." In the section entitled, "Hallmarks of Forgiveness," Father Hurd deftly outlines seven such marks of forgiveness that reflect the teaching and example of Our Lord. In Jesus, we learn how to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Forgiveness is a decision, a process, and a gift.

"Equally challenging today is the question of how to forgive. In Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach we find an entire section on this topic. With priestly wisdom, Father Hurd examines a wide variety of experiences of forgiveness and reconciliation. With examples from Scripture, Church tradition, literature, and his own ministry, he offers a useful ten-step process to aid people ready to make the decision to forgive."

-Cardinal Donald Wuerl, from the Introduction

Features & Benefits:

A practical guide to understanding forgiveness

The seven characteristics of forgiveness

Scripture and stories that illustrate the process of forgiveness

Tips for avoiding common pitfalls on the road to forgiveness

A ten-step process toward forgiveness

About the Author:

Reverend R. Scott Hurd is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Archdiocese's Office of the Permanent Diaconate, assists at St. Hugh of Grenoble Church in Greenbelt, Maryland, and is liaison with the USCCB for the implementation of the Apostolic Constitution, Anglicanorum coetibus. Fr. Hurd began his ordained ministry as an Episcopal priest and entered the Catholic Church in 1996. He holds degrees from Oxford University and the University of Richmond. He and his wife Stephanie live in Virginia with their three children.