Forgiveness

Dear Salesian Family,

This month of March our students have been reflecting on the virtue of forgiveness. A practical statement made by a Jesuit Theologian states, “People cannot live together unless they forgive each other just for being who they are.” We all need to forgive and be forgiven, over and over again.

It is not easy to forgive someone who has hurt us deeply. There are times when we want the person who offended us to suffer. However, as Christians we must let go of the desire to retaliate at those who have caused us pain or hurt us deeply. Instead, we are called to be courageous, and choose mercy; this is not easy. We often feel the urge to blame others, just so we can feel better about ourselves. In spite of this, there is something very special about forgiving as Jesus did, stating, “Why look at the speck in your brother’s eye when you miss the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:5)

We must deal with our own shortcomings before we start trying to tell others how to live. I pray that I may stop excusing myself and ask God to help me to see the good in every person I meet. Give me, O Lord, the grace to make a choice to forgive as you have forgiven me. 

God bless,

Sr. Carmen, FMA