Word to the Wise
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 - Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent [St. Patrick's Day]
[Daniel 3:25, 34-43 and Matthew 18:21-35]Peter approached Jesus and 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 serven times but seventy-seven times......"
Peter's question gives Jesus the chance to tell a story that many of us can identify with! How often have we been to confession and mentioned our anger at someone for hurting us, received forgiveness for it and as soon as we leave the Church (or even before if that person is in the line!) we see that person and are incensed all over again? The plain human fact is that forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we can do, and Jesus insists that we do it! What's more, he tells us that if we expect God to forgive us OUR trespasses, we had better forgive others THEIRS! Since it is St. Patrick's Day, I find it helpful and amusing to mention what is known as "Irish Alzheimer's": We forget everything but our grudges! It is an all too common malady! Instead of "giving up" something like chocolate, or wine (look out Easter Sunday), or instead of going to Mass everyday (as good as that is), why not do something truly difficult. Forgive the one person you swore you would never forgive! If there's nobody like that on your list, take the next one down! Then think about the people YOU may have hurt and go and ask for THEIR forgiveness! Some folks would rather give up anything than to do the task of forgiving and asking for forgiveness! Imagine the good that could come if everyone decided to try forgiveness for Lent! It might not help our waistline but it will do wonders for our soul! AMEN
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