Virtue of the Month
Forgiveness
We all want to be forgiven when we hurt someone. As human persons, we need to know that we have been forgiven, to hear the words, "I forgive you." That is just what happens in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through the words and actions of the priest, we are truly forgiven by Jesus, Himself! How do we know? It was Jesus who gve priests the power to forgive sins in His name. Check out John 20:19-23. The confession of sin is so important to Jesus that on that first Easter, these were among His first words to His first priests and, in turn, to all priests.
Practice forgiveness daily-at home, school, work and play.
Ever notice how many Gospel stories relate the forgiveness of sins and physical healing? Just how important is spiritual healing? Read these stories: The Pardon of the Sinful Woman, Lk 7:36-50; The Healing of the Paralytic, Mk 2: 1-12; The Unforgiving Servant, Mt 18: 21-35; Zaccheus, Lk 19: 1-10; The Prodigal Son Lk 15: 11-32.
The perfect prayer of forgiveness is the Our Father, the only prayer that Jesus taught! Look it up in Matthew 6:9-13. See what else Jesus says about forgiveness in verses 14 and 15 of the same passage.
The ultimate example of perfect forgiveness? Look at Jesus, the Innocent Victim, on the Cross. Remember His words? "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34
Think about how amazing this forgiveness truly is. Jesus took our place and accepted the punishment that we deserve.
How often should we forgive one another? "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times."
Mt 18:22
In other words, an endless number of times!
Reflect on the First sorrowful Mystery - the Agony in the Garden. The prayer of Jesus was so intense, that we are told, "His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground." Lk 22:43
He knew at that moment the response of each and every person who would ever live. Many would reject Him. Many would remain lukewarm in their response to Him. And guess what? He forgave us anyway! No wonder He was in such agony. Imagine, He knew that He was offering the ultimate Gift, and in spite of it, many simply would not care.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Do we fall into that category? Let us look into our own hearts to know our response to this Gift of Love and Forgiveness. Let us whole-heartedly respond to Him and not be lukewarm in our approach to our faith.