And Forgive us our Trespasses

Pechstein divided the fifth petition in two, devoting a separate woodcut to each part of the
invocation. Forgiveness is expressed here with the typical pictorial economy of Expressionist
print-making. All that matters are hands and faces. Oversized fingers and hands are reaching from
all sides toward one giant hand that sweeps away darkness and creates a fulcrum of light and peace.
The hand of God is a blessing hand, steadfast, open and available. It prolongs and complements
his wide-open and peaceful face with its knowing and compassionate eyes. God's countenance
radiates mercy and his mouth speaks words of forgiveness. It contrasts with the tortured faces and
guilty effervescence of the sinners surrounding him and begging for pardon.

Divine forgiveness is without measure (cf. Matthew 18:21-22), provided our petition begins
with the confession of our sinfulness. The reason of our hope is Jesus Christ, for in him "we have
redemption and the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7). It is only in him that we know that "with
God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).