Pray for those who persecute you
It is hard to believe that our first week of Lent will be over today. Lent sometimes comes upon us so quickly. I find it hard to get into a daily rhythm the first days of Lent, for me it requires more discipline. The scripture readings each day are for me a great way to begin my day. They help me to focus on a word or a phrase that I can take time to reflect upon for the day.
In our Gospel today Jesus challenges us about the gift of forgiveness. We know the Lord tells us to forgive others. Every time we pray the Our Father we ask the Father to forgive us and we say we will forgive others. On the cross Jesus forgave those who were putting him to death. It sounds easy at first, but we know from experience how difficult true forgiveness can be. When someone hurts us, it can cause a deep pain and resentment in our hearts. It can linger in our hearts and weigh heavily upon us. Clinging to unforgiveness enslaves us and eats away at our very self.
Forgiveness is a choice, not an emotion. Choosing to forgive someone can free us and lift that heavy weight off our shoulders. Today let us try to think of someone close to us who we need to forgive, to let go of the hate and anger. Let us pray for that person. Let us pray for the gift of forgiveness in our heart. Today Jesus invites us to bring that person to prayer and pray for the grace to forgive them.
Msgr. Mike Boland is executive consultant for member services at Catholic Charities USA.