Henri Nouwen beautifully captures this when he says, “Every time you forgive, you bring joy to yourself and to the one you forgive.” How often do we cling to our grievances, mistaking them for strength, when in reality, they only weigh us down? Pope Francis reminds us that “God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.” If the heart of God finds joy in forgiving, why should ours not do the same? Laetare Sunday, a moment of rejoicing in the midst of Lenten penance, invites us to taste the sweetness of a heart unburdened by resentment. When we forgive, we do not lose; rather, we gain the freedom to love more deeply, to encounter others with renewed tenderness, and to rediscover the joy of communion.Ultimately, forgiveness is not a sacrifice but a gift—a gift that multiplies joy. It is the victory of grace over bitterness, of love over wounds. The father’s embrace of the prodigal son is a testament to this joy, a reminder that the greatest celebrations are not for those who have never fallen but for those who have been restored. The same joy is ours if we dare to forgive, to let go, and to embrace one another as God has embraced us. In forgiveness, we do not merely reflect divine love—we participate in its boundless joy.