An Exercise in Forgiving Others with Scenes from the Passion of the Christ

1. Place Yourself at Calvary

Picture yourself on Calvary Hill, 2,000 years ago. Jesus is hanging on the Cross. He could die at any moment.

You are there beside Mary, the Mother of Jesus. You are the beloved disciple, standing beneath the Cross.

2. Recall God’s Mercy for You

Gently call to mind the sins of your life—the ones you have confessed and left in God’s mercy.

See Jesus look to His Father, then down to you, and hear Him say:

“Father, forgive [your name]—he did not know what he was doing.”

Allow yourself to receive this love. Spend time hearing the words again and again if it helps. Jesus is dying on the Cross… for you. Personally. This is the love of God.

3. Renounce Unforgiveness

Now, in response to His mercy, renounce all unforgiveness and anger. Pray out loud:

“In the name of Jesus, I renounce anger and any idolatry of power, control, or false justice.

I renounce all bitterness, unforgiveness, revenge, judgments, and retaliation.

Lord, I ask Your forgiveness, and in the name of Jesus, I choose to live in the virtue of forgiveness.”

4. Ask Who You Need to Forgive

Look again at Jesus on the Cross. Ask Him: “Jesus, is there anyone I need to forgive, or forgive again?”

If someone comes to mind, place them beside you at Calvary, standing between you and Mary.

5. Feel the Hurt, Offer the Pain

Allow yourself to feel the hurt of what they did. Share this pain honestly with Jesus and Mary.

Give yourself time. Do not rush.

6. Hear Jesus Speak Over Them

Now imagine Jesus looking at this person and saying: “Father, forgive [name]—he/she did not know what he/she was doing.”

7. Speak Your Forgiveness

Jesus and Mary now turn to you. It is your turn to forgive. Say out loud: “In the name of Jesus, I forgive [name] for [specific hurt].” Name their offense. Be as specific as you can.

8. Be Washed in Mercy

Now see the soldier pierce the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the lance.

Watch the blood and water gush forth—rays of divine mercy flowing over you and the one you forgave.

Thank Jesus for forgiving you both.