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From: Mary Zimmerman
Winona
God asked me to write on forgiveness quite some time ago. Just as I didn’t particularly want to write a past article on hell, I don’t especially want to write this one, but last Sunday’s Mass being so much about forgiveness, I knew it was time to face this article.
I’m very ready to admit I struggle with sin like everyone else, but with God’s help I will prevail in the end (so can you). It just takes a bit of effort on our part, along with a good dose of humility to say, I’m sorry. In fact, Father Jim in his homily said Sunday its a miracle of grace, so we needn’t try to accomplish this feat on our own but call upon the name of Jesus and allow a drop of His most precious blood to saturate our wounds and heal our hearts of unforgiveness. Jesus says forgive others and I’ll forgive you. We ask that each time we recite the Lord’s Prayer - forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us. We don’t say except so and so and so. We all must have heard, how many times we are to do this? Jesus answers, no, not 7 times but 77 times.
At this time with Deacon Jim’s permission, I’d like to add some comments from his recent sermon. I quote: “Does forgiveness have a limit? Do you say to somebody, look, you have gone too far. There are some things that I can forgive just so long. I have already forgiven you seven times for what you did. That’s it, you have gone beyond the limit. We must pattern our heart after God’s, eager to forgive, no matter the wrong or how deeply it penetrates us. When we forgive another person God will not only dwell in the heart of the person that forgives but also in the person being forgiven. We need Jesus who will give us the divine power to forgive. God’s abundant mercy to us is the motivation for us to be merciful to others.”
Getting back to last Sunday’s Mass which happened to be September 11 also, just a word or two on that. It was indeed a most tragic event with the loss of life, all the sadness and terror it caused. Well, ten years later, we are still fighting two wars in retaliation for this event which greatly increased the loss of life. I’m just not for war. I think our money could be so much better spent in feeding and clothing and sheltering the poor. Then, first cry out for God to bless America. I think He is just waiting to do that.
Now I’d like to share just a bit from last Sunday’s readings from the Book of Sirach. I quote: “Wrath and anger are hateful things yet the sinner hugs them tight. Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord? Remember your last days, set enmity aside, think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor. The word of the Lord.”
Now let these words of song sing out for God’s mercy. I quote: “Forgive us, Christ, the stoney heart, the callous blinded eye, the careless deed, the heedless word, that causes love to die. Forgive the bitter, biting thought, the unforgiving mind, the cherished memory of hurt, that makes the tongue unkind.”
Mending relationships isn’t something that comes easy or without help from God. Let Him be our strength in our human weakness. Perhaps it’s only then we will receive the grace to say the miracle words “I’m sorry,” to be used generously by spouses, parents, children, brothers, sisters, whoever needs to. I would guess every time we make a gesture of forgiveness, be it these words, a hug, or handshake, God smiles and hugs us in return.
As I end this article I realize how important it is. I pray it will bring hearts together in love and forgiveness for each other, reaching out to the very heart of Jesus Himself. Peace be with everyone. Somewhere in this article ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” Then resound His words - “Father forgive them.”
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