GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 11TH AUGUST 2016
THURSDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
(MEMORIAL OF ST. CLARE, VIRGIN)
1ST READING: Ezekiel 12:1-12
PSALM: Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:21 – 19:1
THEME: FORGIVE
It may not be too difficult to forgive minor wrongdoings and foibles in our dealings with people but when someone consciously, purposefully, wilfully and continuously chooses to hurt you, forgiveness becomes a daunting exercise.
Peter in today’s Gospel text asks Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Mt 18:21). In response, Jesus said, ” Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times ” (Mt 18:22). In other words, there is no limit to forgiving an offender. Jesus goes ahead and illustrates the consequences of choosing not to forgive with the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Lewis Smedes is quoted as saying, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you”. Yes, forgiveness can be tough in certain circumstances and yet it is the surest way to freedom.
Perhaps you may want to consider the following 5 steps as a guide to forgive someone who has hurt you.
Step 1. Acknowledge the hurt: Do not pretend as if you never got hurt. Rather, face and feel the pains and if tears roll down your cheeks, let it be.
Step 2. Decide to forgive: You may not feel like forgiving but make up your mind to forgive. Forgiveness is first and foremost a decision. Hurtful feelings get healed with the passage of time.
Step 3. Pray to God for strength: As the saying goes, “to err is human but to forgive is divine”.
Step 4. Remember when you were forgiven: The truth is that we have all made mistakes in life and we have all hurt people. Most especially, think of the many times we offend God and yet he forgives us when we ask for pardon.
Step 5. Now, let go and let God: There is not point holding on to the grudge. Drop it! Cease fire! Enough is enough!
How do I know that I have forgiven a person? When I no longer harbour vengeful thoughts and desires toward the person and I sincerely desire that all may go well with him (her).
Let us choose to make today a day of forgiveness. Let us forgive and set ourselves free.
Lord Jesus, I often sin against you and yet out of your abundant mercy you choose to forgive me. Now is my turn to forgive those who have hurt me. Grant me the grace I need. Amen.
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)