This day God asks me to look at how I forgive those who hurt me in any way. The readings from today's Mass remind me of God's tender care for the poor, the just and the broken hearted. I am also reminded that it is God's Will that I forgive, as I have been forgiven, over and over again by God.
God wants to forgive me. God is so approachable and eager to welcome me home each time I stray through sin. Yet, when I don't respond to God's forgiving love, I need to recall the words of today's Gospel: "But if you do not forgive men (others), neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."
Sometimes the hurts or our lives run deep and instant forgiveness seems impossible. God loves me and understands this more than I know. Still, even then, I can still pray for those who have wronged me. I can ask God to forgive them and I can ask God to lead me to the point that one day, I may be able to forgive as I truly want to, but feel presently unable to do. God sees my struggles to forgive. I am sure God understands. Did not Jesus say from the Cross "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do"? He prayed for those who ruthlessly tortured and executed him.
If there is someone in your life right now who you find unable to forgive, bring his or her name to God right now and ask God to care for and to forgive them. Ask for the grace to be able to let go of the anger, pain or grudge that you may feel inside. Even if this may need to be your prayer for days, months or years, keep handing it over to the Lord. Ask God to help you forgive as you have been forgiven. God will work miracles in your life and help you to do so, if you let go and let God do this for you.
God wants to forgive me. God is so approachable and eager to welcome me home each time I stray through sin. Yet, when I don't respond to God's forgiving love, I need to recall the words of today's Gospel: "But if you do not forgive men (others), neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."
Sometimes the hurts or our lives run deep and instant forgiveness seems impossible. God loves me and understands this more than I know. Still, even then, I can still pray for those who have wronged me. I can ask God to forgive them and I can ask God to lead me to the point that one day, I may be able to forgive as I truly want to, but feel presently unable to do. God sees my struggles to forgive. I am sure God understands. Did not Jesus say from the Cross "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do"? He prayed for those who ruthlessly tortured and executed him.
If there is someone in your life right now who you find unable to forgive, bring his or her name to God right now and ask God to care for and to forgive them. Ask for the grace to be able to let go of the anger, pain or grudge that you may feel inside. Even if this may need to be your prayer for days, months or years, keep handing it over to the Lord. Ask God to help you forgive as you have been forgiven. God will work miracles in your life and help you to do so, if you let go and let God do this for you.
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