Forgiveness leads to joy and serenity
because it frees the heart from thoughts of death,
whereas resentment and vengeance trouble the mind
and wound the heart, robbing it of rest and peace.

 
Pope Francis

Who could listen to that wonderful prayer,
so full of warmth, of love, of unshakeable serenity-
Father, forgive them-
and hesitate to embrace his enemies with overflowing love?
Is any gentleness, any love, lacking in this prayer?

 
St. Aelred, 12th century

It was not enough to pray for them:
Jesus wanted also to make excuses for them.
They are great sinners, yes, but they have little judgment;
therefore, Father, forgive them.

 
St. Aelred, 12th century

The sign of sincere love is to forgive wrongs done to us.
It was with such love that the Lord loved the world.

 
St. Mark the Ascetic, 5th century

Christ not only forgave his enemies,
but prayed the Eternal Father to forgive them also.

 
St. Philip Neri, 16th century

A childlike soul goes to Christ to be consoled,
to be healed, to be forgiven.
It is like a lover running into the arms of the beloved.

 
Servant of God, Catherine Doherty, 20th century

Father, Jesus says, forgive them.
Is any gentleness, any love, lacking in this prayer? 

 
St. Aelred, 12th century

When the Savior was injured by his enemies
he sought pardon for them,
for he thought not so much of the injuries he received,
as the love which brought him to die for them.

 
St. Augustine, 5th century