Picture this: Someone who has wounded you by words or actions speaks the desire to be forgiven. And then that person keeps coming back again and again and again. It would seem here that the numeral seven might signify an infinite number. Jesus’ insistence on forgiving in this way means that there ought to be no limit to the number of times we offer forgiveness. No limit to the size of the room we offer in our heart. No keeping track of injuries. No limit to acting as the parent of the prodigal one, arms outstretched in welcome, already having forgotten a person’s falling away from love.
- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.
"Patience is the root & guardian of all the virtues." St. Pope Gregory the Great. With great patience we can forgive those who have wronged us.
Sending up prayers for VickyG and son, Garrett, as they travel 4 hours to the doctors office. And thanking all of our Veterans and soldiers for their service to our country. May Our Lord be with us all.
Love how Paul described himself and his life mission in today's reading :-) ***Who is Paul in Titus 1:1a, "This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ!" *** What is Paul's life mission? Titus 1:1b, "I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives!" *** What does the faith/truth/godly life do? Titus 1:2, "This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—Who does not lie—promised them before the world began!" ******* Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, was sent to proclaim faith in Jesus Christ so those chosen would know the truth how to live godly life having the confidence of eternal life promised!!! That's my life mission as well :-)
This is a piece of scripture that I used to try to navigate my way around. “Surely 7 means 7, there must be a limit to forgiving those who regularly, habitually offend” who wants to stay in a place of hurting? I think it’s easier to forgive a hurt from a source that is not close, that is to say not part of your family or inner circle friends . I can forgive and remove myself from a source of hurt not close to my heart. With close family it’s more challenging but forgiving infinitely, coupled with self reflection and adjusting one’s own behaviour is the only way. I have a long running source of sorrow at my relationship with my youngest daughter, when she is stressed she casts me as the villain in her script. Although I made mistakes and somethings but by no means all things I would do differently given a second chance. The Villain is a part I have not accepted to play. At times we can carefully talk things through. At some point I changed MY response from one of defence and confrontation to forgiveness. I know this change in my approach has brought about a gradual improvement in our father daughter relationship and a happy united wider family. Infinitely forgiving is not easy but it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want to think about what might have happened but for ongoing forgiveness. The sorrow I mentioned earlier has changed from feeling sorry for myself to feelings for the needless pain my daughter bears. I have seen slow but steady progress over time and I know that all will be well. Forgiveness set me free and it is doing so for my daughter too. What better way to finish But with your closing prayer Sr. Chris, “Holy One, stretch the boundaries of my heart.” Infinitely
Thank you Salina, I found that very helpful
*** Brings me to how many times God has forgiven me?!?!?! Ephesians 4:31-32, "Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Don’t have anything to do with any kind of hatred. Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done!" *** Does forgiveness mean enduring abuses? I would take myself out of the equation of a sinful (abuse situation either ways - abuser or abused) environment!!! I stay away from Jessi when she is hangry :-) *** Really, forgiveness is more about releasing me from the burden than the other person.......free me from Idolatry - being God to render judgement on the other party! ******* I don't want or allow myself to continue to be in situation where the other party will or can continue to sin against me and ask for forgiveness!!!
Sr. Chris, thank you for encouraging us to exercise our forgiveness muscle. Such a hard thing to keep in shape. Be with those of our team who need extra help this week while delivering content for a global leadership meeting. Always nerve wracking. Continuing to left Garret in his healing journey. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
Prayer's today....and everyday...for all the Brave men and women who have served this Great Country. Happy Veterans Day !!! Thank You for your service.
Amen indeed
Amen. Thank you for your service!
Praying for all the veterans and military that help protect and defend our nation and world. Thank you for your sacrifice and service. May peace be with you always.
First Sunday of Advent is December 1st. Great reflection books for Advent are the 'Little Blue books' found here...https://littlebooks.org/ If your parish gift shop doesn't have them maybe they can order them in time for the Advent season. I've been reading them for several years now. It's a very quiet and personal type of prayer called 'lectio divina' or sacred reading. Praying for all your intensions this early morning. Bill L.
Bill, if you or anyone is looking for excellent Advent devotionals, we'd of course recommend our affiliate, Creative Communications for the Parish. Their Advent devotionals offerings this year feature actually Living Faith's Jonathan F. Sullivan, and price-wise, they can't be matched. https://catholic.creativecommunications.com/Products/CategoryCenter/CCADV/advent-and-christmas.aspx Thank you, and God bless, The Living Faith Team
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Thank you Saint Jude for hearing and answering me. Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen