MASS READINGS

Gospel According to Matthew (MT 6:7-15)

Jesus said to his disciples: "In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. "If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

REFLECTION:

"If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

During Lent we are told numerous times to repent and turn back to God.

Lent is that time to spend in deep reflection about our actions, and how to be better. To do God’s will.

On this passage, after Jesus teaches the Apostles the prayer that we now know as the “Our Father”, He reminds us to forgive those who have done us harm.

This is reiterated later on during the parable of the unmerciful servant, where he is forgiven a great debt, but refuses to forgive the smaller debts against him (MT 18:23-35)

In the past, I used to think that "time would heal all hurt", and that if I did not think of those things done to me, things would eventually get better. However, something would trigger a memory, and bring sadness and hurt for those wrongdoings done to me.

I needed to find a way to forgive this harm. The hurt and despair was wearing me down, and eating my peace and soul. Clinging to the past was not allowing me to think about the future.

Asking God for help, I found that the only way to be released from this would be to ask Him that I be merciful as He is to me. That I would have to offer my heart to the Holy Spirit, and He can turn my hurt, my injuries, into compassion toward my aggressor. Only He can purify my memories and transform my hurt into intercession. (see CCC 2842-2843).

Lord, grant me a merciful heart!