“Padre, perdónalos…”. El perdón “difícil” y la novedad de Jesús

Abstract

This essay proposes a dialogue on forgiveness with the philosophical thought of H.
Arendt and P. Ricoeur and biblical-theological reflection of C. di Sante and L. Basset.
It articulates the need for forgiveness in daily life and the seriousness of a “difficult”
pardon that respects the truth and dignity of the victim and the offender and takes the
risk to restore personal relationships. The novelty of Jesus, offered in his prayer and
sacrifice in the cross (cf. Lk 23:34) and his resurrection, opens the possibility to go
beyond the account of the wrongs committed; even more, beyond guilt, in order to
access a life of love worthy of being celebrated with others.