catholic family faith

Forgive Unceasingly - Lord's Day Faith Chat - 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 11, 2011

Then Peter approaching 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 seven times, but seventy-seven times."  (Matthew 18:21-22, NAB)

Every time we pray the Our Father, we say "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."  But do we really mean what we say?  Do we forgive others as we wish to be forgiven by God?

Today's reading reminds us that we need to practice living in God's mercy.  We need to practice forgiving as God forgives.  Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence in Terre Haute, Indiana, once wrote, "God's mercy is greater than the number of sins we will ever commit."  God's mercy is greater than any number or greatness of sins we can commit.  No matter what we do, if we ask God's forgiveness, God will grant us forgiveness.

What a comforting thought!

But do we do the same for others?  or even ourselves?  Does our forgiveness mirror God's?

When was the last time you held a grudge?  How many grudges are you holding right now?  Why do you hold onto those grudges?  What good is it really doing you or anyone else that you aren't forgiving?

As you reflect on the reading for this Lord's Day, invite the God of Mercy to fill you with compassion and to help you forgive.  Allow God to take the weight of holding those grudges off your heart.  You will be amazed at how much happier you will after you give and accept forgiveness!

Back to School

Teachers and students have returned to school this week.  How has your family survived the return to activities and routine?

This first week of school is important for families.  It sets the tone for how they may relate to one another throughout the academic year.  Consider how your family did this first week of school by reflecting on these questions:

• Have we established a morning routine for breakfast, sharing the bathroom, deciding what to wear, and making sure we each have what we need before we walk out the door?
• Do we have a balanced after school routine:  extra-curricular activities, homework, family time?
• Have we eaten a meal together at least two times this week?
• Have we spent time together as a family talking about our day and sharing support and encouragement for one another?
• Are our activities balanced?  Are our kids in too many activities, too few, just right?

As you reflect on these questions, ask God to keep your family connected and supportive of one another.  If you feel out of sorts and unbalanced, ask God to help you to discern your priorities and create a more balanced schedule.

God of Love, help us to keep our focus on you and on one another.  Fill us with your Spirit of Compassion as we begin this school year.  Bless our year with love, joy, and peace.  Amen.