as we forgive those who trespass against us....
Can you imagine if God did that?
Yesterday I was reading the sermon on the mount for the umpteenth time and, as you all know, that is when Jesus taught us not only about the Beatitudes but also the proper way to pray to our Father. Today, I heard a beautiful homily about love, mercy and the power of forgiveness. Jesus was very clear in His teachings about forgiveness, mercy and judgment. He wasn't fooling around when he said judge ~ lest you be judged. He wasn't kidding around when Peter asked him, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother who has sinned against me? Up to seven times?" The Lord answered, "I tell you not just seven times but seventy times seven." (That's because to infinity and beyond wasn't coined yet). We are called to forgive others; ALL those that have sinned against us, time and time again. It really doesn't have an expiration date, except for yours, and trust me when I say at that point it's too late generally.
It occurred to me that the Our Father is really a prayer that shows the incredible faith that God has in humanity when he creates us in our Mother's wombs and puts us on this earth. The words that we utter in that glorious prayer are an oath to God that we WILL forgive everyone, just as He forgives us. We will love them all just as He loves us and we will do that for not only our friends and family but our enemies as well. When we utter that prayer we are making a promise to God that we will forgive them for the nit picky sins against us, the medium-sized sins and the mega, earth shattering stuff as well.
Can you imagine what it would be like if God actually did forgive us the way that we forgive others? Holy Moly, we would be in big trouble. God sees all and knows what we are going to do before we do it. The very good news is that God does forgive us our trespasses even though we are not very adept at forgiving others. All we have to do is ask God for forgiveness, with a sincere and contrite heart.
May we ALL strive to live up to the oath that we pray to our Father. Let us lift up our hearts and minds to Him and truly forgive those that have trespassed against us. May they do the same for us. God has faith in us all to do just that.
Peace,
Mare
Can you imagine if God did that?
Yesterday I was reading the sermon on the mount for the umpteenth time and, as you all know, that is when Jesus taught us not only about the Beatitudes but also the proper way to pray to our Father. Today, I heard a beautiful homily about love, mercy and the power of forgiveness. Jesus was very clear in His teachings about forgiveness, mercy and judgment. He wasn't fooling around when he said judge ~ lest you be judged. He wasn't kidding around when Peter asked him, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother who has sinned against me? Up to seven times?" The Lord answered, "I tell you not just seven times but seventy times seven." (That's because to infinity and beyond wasn't coined yet). We are called to forgive others; ALL those that have sinned against us, time and time again. It really doesn't have an expiration date, except for yours, and trust me when I say at that point it's too late generally.
It occurred to me that the Our Father is really a prayer that shows the incredible faith that God has in humanity when he creates us in our Mother's wombs and puts us on this earth. The words that we utter in that glorious prayer are an oath to God that we WILL forgive everyone, just as He forgives us. We will love them all just as He loves us and we will do that for not only our friends and family but our enemies as well. When we utter that prayer we are making a promise to God that we will forgive them for the nit picky sins against us, the medium-sized sins and the mega, earth shattering stuff as well.
Can you imagine what it would be like if God actually did forgive us the way that we forgive others? Holy Moly, we would be in big trouble. God sees all and knows what we are going to do before we do it. The very good news is that God does forgive us our trespasses even though we are not very adept at forgiving others. All we have to do is ask God for forgiveness, with a sincere and contrite heart.
May we ALL strive to live up to the oath that we pray to our Father. Let us lift up our hearts and minds to Him and truly forgive those that have trespassed against us. May they do the same for us. God has faith in us all to do just that.
Peace,
Mare
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