From Hurt to Hope: Embracing Reconciliation

Goal

By the end of the household session, family members should have spent quality time together in prayer and sharing, fostering a deeper relationship that leads them closer to Christ and to one another.

Gift

A gift is something freely given, even when not asked for. Time is a gift. Let us offer this precious gift to our families by setting aside time for a short household session. You can do this during mealtime, downtime, after Mass, or whenever it is most convenient for the whole family to gather.

Glory

(Lead your family into a short prayer) 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for bringing us together as a family. We come before You with open hearts, asking for Your grace to help us love as You love. Teach us to forgive as You forgive, letting go of anger and hurt. Fill our home with peace, kindness, and understanding. Help us to say sorry when we’ve hurt one another and to accept forgiveness with humility. May Your love be our guide as we grow closer to You and to each other. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church and Families, pray for us.

Grab

In your own words, how would you define forgiveness?

Grace

"Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do." - Colossians 3:13

Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal—a time to prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. As we journey through this sacred season, we are invited to examine our relationships, especially within our families. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give—not only to others but also to ourselves. When we choose to forgive, we release the burden of anger, resentment, and pain that weighs down our hearts. Within a family, where relationships are deep and emotions run strong, conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable. However, holding onto past hurts can create distance and division. True healing begins when we recognize that no family is perfect, but love and forgiveness can restore what is broken.

Many times, unforgiveness takes root because of pride, misunderstandings, or deep wounds that seem impossible to heal. We may feel justified in holding onto our pain, thinking that forgiveness means excusing the hurt. But forgiveness is not about forgetting—it is about choosing love over resentment. Jesus Himself demonstrated the ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). As we reflect on His sacrifice, we are reminded that reconciliation is at the heart of our faith. Just as Christ reconciled us to God through His death and resurrection, we too are called to restore our broken relationships.

Let this Lenten season be a challenge for each of us as a family: to examine our hearts and let go of past grievances. Who do we need to forgive? Who do we need to ask forgiveness from? Taking the first step may not be easy, but it is a step toward healing and restoring relationships. As we embrace forgiveness, let us also pray for the grace to love unconditionally, just as God has loved and forgiven us. In doing so, we not only strengthen our family bond but also prepare our 

Gather

1.     Why do you think forgiving those who have hurt you and asking for forgiveness are difficult?

2.     Who do you need to forgive? Name just one person.

3.     Who do you need to ask forgiveness from? Name just one person.

Go Forth

 Simple:

·       As a family - For one week, each family member secretly performs acts of kindness for another member (randomly assigned by the father).

·       As an individual - Apologize in person to someone you have hurt and say a special prayer for someone who has wronged you.

Dynamic and Fun:

Family Challenge: "The Forgiveness Tree"

·       Prepare a drawing or cutout of a tree with bare branches. (You may ask help from your wife and/or children but don't spill the beans.)

·       Give each family member small paper leaves or hearts.

·       Write the name of a person you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from on a leaf/heart.

·       Attach them to the tree as a symbol of growth and healing.

·       End by praying together for the strength to act on these intentions.

Group Photo

 Take a family photo after your household session. If you choose to do the ‘Forgiveness Tree’ for the ‘Go Forth’ part, take a photo of your family doing the activity. Use the hashtags #MissionaryFamiliesofChrist #FamilyHousehold #LentenSeason.