Thursday of the 19th
Week in Ordinary Time - Matthew 18:21-19:1
The theme of forgiveness continues in today’s Gospel
reading. Peter is not shy! He asks Jesus how many times he needs to
forgive, how many times he should forgive.
Only Peter would have the courage to ask Jesus this question!
At times, we all react as Peter did. Do we ask Jesus this very same question when
someone has hurt us? At some point in
our lives, all of us have had painful experiences at the hands of another. Forgiving
that person is not easy, especially when we have been hurt deeply! However, we always have the choice to change
our minds and our hearts and ask Jesus to give us the grace to want to forgive
that person. This is a critical first
step. When we are willing to try to
forgive another, it may not only free them, but most likely it also will free
us.
Today, ask yourself: whom do I need to forgive? It may be another person or it may be that we
need to forgive ourselves for actions or choices that we are not proud of. Spend a few minutes reflecting on this
question. Naturally, it is most helpful
to ask for forgiveness, however, there are situations when we do have the
opportunity or the courage to do this in person. If that is the case, speak your words of
forgiveness aloud. Then after a moment
or two, repeat the words. When we speak
words aloud, the vibrations of our words radiate throughout the ether; thus,
the individual you want to forgive will sense your vibrations and your forgiveness. It likely will not be a conscious sense, but
their inner being will intuit your intention.
Also, when you forgive another, you also will release the pain, hurt, or
anger that you have been nursing. Your
forgiveness of another will change your vibrations and the vibrations throughout
our world. What a wondrous gift to give!
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