Tuesday of the Third Week

Reflection
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches Peter a lesson about forgiveness, telling him to forgive seven times seventy-seven times.  Forgiveness is something with which we all struggle.  Letting go of hurt can be painful and difficult, and oftentimes we choose to hold onto those negative feelings. Forgiving ourselves can be even more difficult than forgiving others.  We expect the most out of ourselves, and when we fall short of the mark, we can become our own harshest critics.  But God tells us there is no limit to the number of times He will forgive us, and in following Christ, we should freely forgive others, and ourselves as well.  This task is challenging, but also encouraging.  God is revealing His love to us in this passage and showing us how much He cares for us.  Forgiveness is the gift that we often deprive ourselves of, but in holding onto those negative feelings, the only person we hurt is ourself.  This Lenten season, let us make a conscious effort to be kinder to ourselves.  Forgiving ourselves for a mistake made at work, a disappointing exam grade, or a moment of anger can release us from the guilt that we often place on ourselves, and bring us closer to God. 

 

Forgiveness

is for giving,

so give yourself the gift from time to time

and let all of your mistakes

become all of your greatest gifts

in disguise.

—Luke Lesson

Prayer
Lord, help me to extend forgiveness to myself and others this Lenten season.  Help me to see the love You have for Your people, and to manifest that love in the form of forgiveness.

Amanda Carpenter, ’16

Scripture
First Reading: Deuteronomy 3:25, 34-43
Psalm: 25:4-5ab, 6-9
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website