In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ clearly teaches us the importance of forgiveness:  If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  -  Matthew 6:14-15  As we approach each other with words of reconciliation, the choir intones the Paschal hymns, filling the church with the anticipation of Paschal joy.