Revulsion

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings: Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Matthew 18:21-35

Summary

But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. Remember that your compassion, O LORD, and your kindness are from of old. In your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O LORD. Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times (Dan 3:39a; PS 25:6, 7bc, MT 18:21-22).

Reflection

When a person says, “I cannot forgive them” often what they mean is: “I cannot stop feeling revulsion.”

“You may not be able to stop the revulsion today, but you can release vengeance today.”

What you CAN do:

• Remove vengeance from your own hands.
• Place the offender under God’s mercy and judgment.
• Allow your heart time to soften – for as long as it takes.

Forgiveness and justice operate on two different timelines.

Pope John Paul II, 1980 encyclical Dives in Misericordia (“Rich in Mercy”).

John Paul II explains that when a person refuses the act of forgiveness because the offender never repented, the wounded person risks becoming bound to the offender indefinitely. The Pope writes that evil has a tendency to propagate itself through retaliation and resentment. Even if the injured person was originally innocent, the wound can begin to reshape the heart around the injury to a potentially disastrous effect.

Personal Reflection

Lord, for all those who feel the trap of unforgiveness, free them from the trap. Let them give you all the pain, anger, vengeance and revulsion. That only by Your Mercy, these things are converted to holiness. Amen.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031026.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry