Over and over, Jesus tells and reminds us, to FORGIVE! But we are weak human beings, sometimes living only in the present, and forgetting what we have been taught. When we do this, our minds, actions, and intentional ignorance turns us stubborn. We transform back to childhood. Children forget what they are told, and the adults in the room must be patient and loving as they remind them, repeatedly, to do the right thing. But not only remind them with words, we must demonstrate to them with our own actions. Paul’s letter ties into the Gospel by reminding us that our actions must be blameless, hospitable, a lover of goodness, temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled. Actions speak louder than words.

Forgiveness. Oh so easy to say, and yet so difficult to do. Forgiveness does not mean denying the wrong that was done. However, if we continue to harbor hard feelings, deep rooted resentment, even hatred, then where does that ultimately lead us? Sometimes to other vices to “erase” the pain, sometimes outbursts of rage/anger to those we truly love, sometimes just shutting down, but, hopefully, in a moment of grace, we stop, reflect, pray and move past the feelings that brought us to that point in the first place. And FORGIVE.

Here's something to contemplate: if Jesus asks his Father to forgive those who spit on him, beat him, persecuted him, and nailed him to the Cross … could you then consider forgiving the person who caused pain to you?

Are you ready to forgive?

Father in Heaven, please give us the grace to forgive all the pain and hurt that we hold inside. We want to be free and live with peace in our hearts. Amen.