Page 37 - spiritual_accompaniment_montreal_archdiocese

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Thought for the Day # 26 – Friday April 10, 2020

“Forgive Me Lord”

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Good Friday, Jesus on the cross said these great words,” Father,
forgive them, for they do not know what they’re doing”. We can see here a call
to look back over our life.

What are the wrongs for which I have not asked for forgiveness? Are
there instances where I have not forgiven? One or the other are ways to
restore and heal our hearts. If we have hurt someone but we have never asked
forgiveness, then the hurt is still with us. Perhaps it happened only once in our
lives, probably more often, perhaps there was one time that was more signifi-
cant or more serious than at another moment. Maybe take the time to go over
it, take another look. Is it the times when I have not forgiven, or is it the times
for which I have not asked for forgiveness? These two aspects can make our
heart grow.

Ask for forgiveness. We can always turn to God. Sometimes we
no longer have the chance to ask someone for forgiveness because we’re no
longer in touch, but we remember the wound we have caused. Sometimes the
people are still around, but we feel a bit uncomfortable, ill at ease. But when
we turn to God and ask forgiveness, he give us the strength and humility to ask
forgiveness of one another.

When it comes to forgiving, there are certain wounds that we are un-
able to forgive even if we wanted to. They are beyond us. Not only can we not
bring ourselves to forgive but we don’t even feel the desire to forgive.

So ask God “Lord, I can’t forgive. Put in my heart the desire to
forgive, give me strength to forgive.” And the Lord answers. The Lord gives
the strength to forgive. He forgives and he gives the strength to forgive.

Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 37