Bob Ricci shared a beautiful request this morning asking us to walk in total forgiveness and not carry a grudge. Since many of us, as Catholics, say the Our Father at least once every day, I wanted to share this helpful "hint!"
I have, finally at 80, learned to say the OUR FATHER in front of my mirror, first thing in the AM (while my hot water boils) just so I can watch my eyes when I pray and, I do it so, when I come to the "forgive us our trespasses AS WE FORGIVE those who trespass against us" I look deeply to see if I have not forgiven - because I can do it that minute or I can stop with the prayer. Two choices.
The same at Mass and at night when I finish the day with the same prayer. Nothing has helped me more because I cannot say that prayer to the end without forgiving. Without carrying a grudge!!! It took me too long to learn this but, the peace in my life, since I have learned to stop at that part of the OUR FATHER, IS AMAZING. Forgiveness is a choice.
Coffee has never tasted so good as that cup I have after prayer. I also do 1 Hail Mary and Psalm 23 where I relish the verse, 3 He restores my soul. * He leads me in paths of righteousness* for His name's sake. (I am fully aware then that I am an agent for my Lord and what I do is for His name's sake!) Oh, my! About the time I reach "my cup overflows." my water is done and I find myself at AMEN
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This is the post of Bob Ricci that inspired me this Christmas Eve day, 2012
I have become acutely aware this Christmas season that there are people who have been holding grudges - whether real or imagined-- against others, for slights or misunderstandings that may have happened years ago. This happens within families and within circles of friends. I have been guilty of this too in the past.
Please, please, please reconsider this as Jesus, in teaching us to pray, told us to forgive others as our Heavenly Father forgives us. How can we not forgive others when Our Heavenly Father forgives us as often as we sincerely ask forgiveness from Him. Life is too short to waste dwelling on old wounds.
As Psalm 90 says: Lord, Make us know the shortness of our life, that we may gain wisdom of heart. A blessed and grace-filled Christmas to all!
Psalm 90 that Bob Mentioned:
A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. 1 LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place* in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. 3 Thou turnest man back to the dust, and sayest, "Turn back, O children of men!" 4* For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. 5 Thou dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning: 6 in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. 7 For we are consumed by thy anger; by thy wrath we are overwhelmed. 8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 9 For all our days pass away under thy wrath, our years come to an end* like a sigh. 10 The years of our life are threescore and ten, or even by reason of strength fourscore; yet their span* is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 11 Who considers the power of thy anger, and thy wrath according to the fear of thee? 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. 13 Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on thy servants! 14 Satisfy us in the morning with thy steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad as many days as thou hast afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. 16 Let thy work be manifest to thy servants, and thy glorious power to their children. 17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish thou the work of our hands upon us, yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
How appropriate to be reminded of the need to forgive on the eve of God's greatest sign of His forgiveness - sending His Son to open the doors to Heaven so we can spend eternity with Him. I will work on this. Just as love is a decision, so is forgiveness. Thanks to Bob for inspiring you to post this and to you for sharing it with us. Merry Christmas - may there be peace on earth and let it begin with me as I decide to forgive - everyone. :) Blessings to you, dear Terry!
["I have learned to stop at that part of the OUR FATHER, IS AMAZING. Forgiveness is a choice."]Terry F.
On this great Feast of Christmas, I choose forgiveness!
Thank you for your inspiring words and encouragement Terry:) (and Memom:)
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