When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. (Mark 11:25 NABRE)
There is something about the air in New Hampshire, when you are up in the mountains, where the air is clear, that makes things better. It's not unlike forgiving someone who has done you wrong. When you forgive someone, especially someone who really doesn't deserve it, you may be surprised when you start to feel better yourself. You begin to heal, often in ways you didn't even know you needed healing. You begin to breathe fresher air.
In today's verse, Jesus tells us to forgive anyone who has harmed us before we come to prayer. This is a powerful directive when you consider Saint Paul's words, "in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God." (Philippians 4:6). If we're to pray in all things and to forgive anyone beforehand, we simply cannot afford to carry a grudge.
To underscore the importance of this to Jesus, recall his words to, "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) And of course, when he told his friends how to pray, part of his prayer for us is to ask God the Father to, "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:9)
In his wisdom, Jesus knows the healing power of forgiveness. Our flawed human nature pushes us to hold grudges, to stay angry too long, and to cut people out of our lives. Yet, we must reach beyond our self-protection and self-importance. Forgiveness must become our way of life. It is, perhaps, the best-kept secret to any strong relationship. And it requires practice! It is not easy and it can even be offensive. And so, in this too, we should pray: Lord help me to forgive because I cannot bring myself to do it by my will alone. With effort. With time. With God's help. We learn how to forgive. So start today. Breathe the fresh air of forgiveness.
Today, I will seek to forgive others so that I may have God's forgiveness and mercy rather than his judgment for my own sinfulness.
Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, who was grieved that others did not have the same opportunities as you, pray for us.
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| Warren NH |
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