"We should always forgive, remembering that we too are in need of forgiveness."Christ came not to condemn but to forgive, to show mercy."Mercy is an indispensable dimension of love; it is as it were love's second name and, at the same time, the specific manner in which love is revealed. . . ."Such is the wisdom of the world's most influential religious leader, Pope John Paul II. In the same format as Fear Not, which has sold 21,000 copies, Forgiveness is a touching collection of the Holy Father's thoughts and reflections on the importance of forgiveness in the human experience. This topic is especially timely because it is the main theme of the Vatican's Holy Jubilee Year 2000. As editor Alexandria Hatcher says, "Pope John Paul II understands 'forgiveness' not as an abstract entity to talk about, but rather as a process to be lived." The Pope's impassioned philosophy on the subject can only be described as inspiring and heartfelt. The insight provided by Forgiveness comes from a holy man committed to spreading the importance of God's love and mercy in the face of chaotic modern times. The Pope's teachings on the subject of forgiveness are beautifully edited by Hatcher into four themed sections for readers: Sin, Mercy, Conversion, and Salvation. To acknowledge John Paul II's Trinitarian sense of forgiveness, these primary themes are interspersed with brief interludes on the Son, who bridges our humanness to God's mercy; on the Holy Spirit, who guides us toward atonement; and on the Father; in whom we seek the wholeness that reconciliation offers. Elegantly simple and accessible for any reader, Forgiveness is the perfect book for any person seeking to understand the special and pivotalrole forgiveness can have in his or her life.

Alexandria Hatcher is a member of the faculty of the Center for Spiritual Development, Archdiocese of New York, and Coordinator of the Come Home Community.