Greetings on this the Monday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings: Daniel 9:4b-10; Psalm 79:8, 9, 11 and 13; Luke 6:36-38
Summary
Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Lk 6:37c-38).
The greatest gift we can give is forgiveness. The greatest gift from the Lord is forgiveness.
- In good measure (true and real).
- Packed together (fullness and complete forgiveness).
- Shaken down (to the very core of our being, nothing forgotten).
- Overflowing (such that gift of forgiveness blesses everyone around you).
Reflection
Mercy is what defines forgiveness and forgiveness is the action.
In our first reading from the Prophet Daniel’s vision, we have the lament of a nation fallen before other powers of the world, a people needing deliverance and forgiveness. From our psalmist today, he gives us the the communal lament psalm 79. In this lament the one praying goes beyond their own needs and prays for the needs of others as if the need is their own. This is the nature of forgiveness.
Of all the difficulties of life, natural disasters, Principalities and Powers, it is the sin of failing to forgive that binds us most hurtfully.
Instead of focusing on ‘why can’t I forgive him/them/her’ instead pray for them as if their failing is our own. “Lord, forgive we who…”
Personal Reflection
A Prayer:
Let the prisoners' sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
(PS 79:13)
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030226.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
I have tried to forgive my cousin, but he has done nothing to grant forgiveness. He is a horrible person.
Ask the Lord to forgive him because you cannot at this time. The pain is too fresh. Jesus can do what we can’t do. If you ask me to write a prayer for you it would be this:
Lord, you love us. And you know the pain I have suffered at the hand of my cousin. I am so disappointed in him and feel betrayed by him. He acted carelessly and irresponsibly – in a way I could never imagined. My whole family seems to forget what happened to me – asking me to forget what I can see every day. Each day I am reminded of his mistake. He cannot take it back. He can’t make it up to me. Not really. This is an impossible situation. Jesus, the best I can do is ask you to forgive him for me. I am in conflict with my love for you and my disappointment in him. But, Lord, also, I need help seeing myself as you see me. You see deeper. You see all of me. You love everything about me. You can help relieve my pain of the heart. I need you Jesus. Let my heart rest in your love. Forgive my cousin for me.
I love you, Jesus.
Amen.
Awesome thank you very much for this prayer. Amen