Reflection by Fr. Collins Akhigbe OP <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scriptural passages <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st reading 2 Cor. 11:1-11. Psalm. 110. Gospel Mt. 6:7-15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Theme: Forgive Others <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either” (Mt. 6:14-15). In today’s gospel reading the Lord teaches us about prayer and forgiveness. As a matter of necessity, a life of prayer must go hand in hand with a life of forgiveness. We cannot make any serious progress in our relationship with Christ if we refuse to forgive others. Unforgiveness hinders our communion with God. When it comes to forgiveness, we have only one choice if we still want to remain Christians. The choice of forgiving others is the only choice we have if we are sincere in our relationship with Christ. In the first reading the apostle Paul told the Corinthians to tolerate a little of his foolishness or weaknesses. This disposition is essential if we intend to make progress in forgiving others. In this reflection we shall highlight why we should forgive others and how to promote the ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why We Should Forgive Others <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, it is the will of our heavenly Father. The Lord commanded us to forgive others. It is a divine command. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Mt. 6:14-15). The Catechism teaches us that our forgiveness of others is tied to our own reception of forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer (CCC # 2838-2845). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, we should forgive others in order to imitate Christ. Forgiveness makes us more Christ-like, as Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:35). The apostle Paul has this to say, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). We are called to become another Christ. We fulfill this requirement through living a life of forgiveness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, we should forgive others because forgiveness heals and restores relationships. Forgiveness brings healing and restores unity within the Christian community. “Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Col. 3:13). The Catechism teaches us that forgiveness is a “personal decision” that helps build the body of Christ (CCC # 2843). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, we should forgive others because unforgiveness leads to spiritual harm. Bearing grudges damages our relationship with God and others. The parable of the unforgiving servant is very instructive here (Matt.18:21\u201335). We remain in darkness when we refuse to forgive others. It affects negatively our relationship with Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, we should forgive others because forgiveness is an act of love and mercy. Forgiving others is a form of showing Christian charity and love (1 Cor. 13:5). When we forgive those who have offended us, we demonstrate love for others and for God. It is part of the works of mercy. The Catechism has this to say, “The works of mercy are charitable actions… Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently (CCC # 2447). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Forgive Others <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, we should begin by acknowledging the hurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before you can forgive, you must recognize and be honest about the pain caused. \u201cThe Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.\u201d (Psalm 34:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Admitting the hurt allows the healing process to begin through God’s grace. In other words, we should not live in self denial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, we should pray for the strength to forgive. The Lord gives us the grace and strength to let go of hard feelings if only we can turn to him in prayer. Forgiveness often requires divine assistance. Ask God to help you through prayer. The Lord tells us, \u201cBut I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you\u201d (Mt. 5:43-44). The Catechism says, “Christian prayer extends to the forgiveness of enemies… prayer for them is the first response of a merciful heart” (CCC # 2844). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, we should reflect on God\u2019s mercy towards you. When you remember how much God has forgiven you, it becomes easier to forgive others. The scripture says, if the Lord should mark our guilt who will survive? (Psalm 130:3). The apostle Paul tells us, \u201cBe kind to one another… forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you\u201d (Eph. 4:32). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fourth, choose to forgive. Forgiveness is not always a feeling, but a decision. It is an act of the will. The Lord tells us, \u201cWhenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses\u201d (Mk. 11:25). The Catechism teaches us, “It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offence; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion” (CCC # 2843). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fifth, we should let go of revenge and bitterness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
True forgiveness means releasing the desire to get even or harbour resentment. The apostle Paul says, \u201cBeloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God\u201d (Rom. 12:19). The Catechism says, “The deliberate hatred is contrary to charity… hatred of the neighbour is a sin” (CCC # 2262). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sixth, we should reconcile if possible. While forgiveness is always required, reconciliation, that is, restoring the relationship, may depend on the situation and the other person’s response. The Lord gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18). We have a noble duty to promote and encourage reconciliation. It is actually the duty of the Church on earth to reconcile humanity with God and with one another. The Lord gave the Church the power of forgiving the sins of her members. On whose sins you forgive they are forgiven and on whose sins you retain they are retained (Jn. 20:23). Let us give each other a second chance by embracing the ministry of forgiveness and reconciliation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prayers <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord, help us to be humble and docile to your will. Lord, give us the grace of understanding and wisdom. Lord, deliver us from resentment and unforgiveness. Lord, flood our hearts with your love. Lord, help us to forgive one another. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a peaceful day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With lots of prayers and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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