St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

Forgiveness is Given “For Giving”

Dear brothers and sisters,

     Almost everyone has experienced  forgiveness from God and from others. We  are also being hurt by someone, a friend, or  co-worker or family member. But hanging on  to those negative feelings can do great harm  to your health – body, mind and soul. Hence, Jesus  wants us to forgive others as He forgives us.

     Forgiving a person who has hurt you is never easy, but  dwelling on those events and reliving them can be harder;  and becomes suppressed anger. Yet, when you learn to  forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of  others. Therefore, Jesus says, “forgive others 70 X 7  times;” i.e. Unlimited times! How?       Practice small acts of forgiveness, such as, if someone  is rude or cuts you off in traffic, use that moment to  recognize the wrong that it wasn’t directed at you  personally, and forgive him or her on the spot. This way  you can learn to stop immediately the negative reaction  and the feeling that comes with it. This positive attitude  with productive habits develops successful character.  Learning to forgive others increases our health system  and helps us to lower the risk of psychological disorders,  and many more illnesses. Read 2 Peter 1:5-7.

     A young boy in Korea was a houseboy for some  American soldiers. Sometimes they thought it was funny  to play harmless jokes on him. They would tease him.  They would tie his shoe strings together. They would lock  him out of the house. Eventually they realized that their  practical jokes were not viewed as funny by the boy so  they apologized. He said, “That’s okay, I will stop spitting  in your soup now.” Forgiveness doesn't change the past;  but changes the future for both. Better give it!

     Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong in faith, not the  weak. We have received forgiveness countless times.  Therefore, forgive others as quickly as you expect God to  forgive you. Pray the “Our Father...“ and mean it!

Prayerful blessings!

Msgr. Xavier                       
                                       Please pray for vocations to the priesthood &
                                               for the Priests of our Diocese

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