Blog Post 8/18/2023 – Homily on Forgiveness [8/17/2023]

 

Homily on Forgiveness

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081623.cfm

 

Today’s Gospel challenges us to place Forgiveness at the center of our way of living.  Forgiveness difficult to offer & difficult to accept, yet we are called to do both.

A note that was pinned on a child’s body in the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp read: “Oh, Lord remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will.  But do not remember all the sufferings they inflicted on us.  Remember rather the fruits we have brought, thanks to this suffering: our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity; the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this.  And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits which we have borne be their forgiveness.”

 

On the Cross Jesus taught us when He prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do!”  Consider for a few moments, in silence, what George Herbert (1593-1633) the English poet wrote, “He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.”

 

Do you need to forgive someone?  Do you need to accept the Forgiveness that has been offered to you?  Spend a few minutes reflecting on Forgiveness.

 

May God Be Praised.