St. Maria Goretti was born in Italy on October 16, 1890, and died on July 6, 1902. You probably know at least
part of her story: she was stabbed to death by a man who was attempting to rape her. What you may not know is that this child, who was only 11 years old, forgave the man on her deathbed with the words: “Through the love of Jesus, I forgive him with all my heart.” Her attacker had a conversion experience in prison. He became a monastery gardener upon his release, and attended her canonization in 1950.
I chose Maria Goretti to reflect on today because of her ability to forgive. Today’s psalm reading is from Psalm 51: Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
As we begin our Lenten journeys, let’s consider that forgiveness Maria Goretti offered her attacker and David sought from God. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive… or something for which you need to ask the Lord’s forgiveness?
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