ST CLARE, V. (Memorial) White

Clare was from a wealthy and royal family. From her earliest years she was devoted to prayer and practiced mortification. At the age of 18 she was inspired by the preaching of St Francis of Assisi in the Church of San Giorgio. Through the spiritual guide of St Francis, Clare left earthly possession and vowed herself finally to the service of Jesus Christ and later on founded the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) at San Damiano, and led it for 40 years. Clare’s mother and sisters later joined the Order.

First Reading: Ezk 12:1-12; Psalm: 78. R. v. 7a; Gospel: Mt 18:21-19:1

FORGIVENESS: OUR ATTRIBUTE AS GOD’S CHILDREN

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C. S. Lewis.

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging and difficult thing to do especially when the hurt is so deep and deliberate. We can find it even more difficult to forgive when we rewind and replay the whole scenario on our mind. Sometimes we can see ourselves as stupid and weak when we forgive especially when the offender feels no speck of remorse for the offence committed against us. But let us always remember this: “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong” (Mahatma Gandhi).

God is bigger than all our sins and offences and this is why no sin is too big for God to forgive. If God cannot forgive sins, then it means that the power of sin has overpowered God’s power to forgive. But this is not the case. And this is why we should forgive because when we fail to do so, we lose the communion we share with the God who forgives. And this will set us in opposition to God.

It takes a strong person to say “I’m sorry” and a stronger person to forgive. Who is it that has offended or hurt us so deeply? Is it our husband, wife, friend, co-worker, neighbour, father, mother, son, or daughter? Jesus is asking us not to count the hurt but the gain. And the gain is that we shall also be forgiven when we err by our Father who is in heaven; for the merciful begets mercy. If no sin is bigger than God our Father to forgive, then no hurt should be bigger than his true children to forgive also.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to forgive as your true that we are. Amen.