The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, March 1, 2005
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Daniel 3:25,34-43
Psalm 25:4-9
Matthew 18:21-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Forgiveness is a wonderfully powerful thing. At times it is not easy, but always powerful with a healing and restorative quality of such magnitude, it is freely and unconditionally given to us by the Father.

God wants a relationship with us; an intimate, personal and meaningful relationship. This is so important that God grants us forgiveness just by asking for it. Nothing more, no strings attached. He is ready to overlook our wrongs to make our relationship whole and He wants the same for us in our relationships with others.

Jesus tells us in today's gospel that we must forgive as the Father forgives; totally, unconditionally and freely. The restorative power of forgiveness is self-evident. The opposite is also plainly clear. There are so many of us who carry grudges, cannot let go of the past or even try to obtain some revenge for some wrong done long ago. What a terrible burden to bear for one's lifetime! And this is where the true power of forgiveness lies: when we forgive we heal ourselves, lighten our loads and restore a broken relationship.

Reach deep down within you and find those places where forgiveness remains un-given and add this wonderful healing process to your Lenten journey.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)

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posted by joachim at 4:14 AM