Mercy and forgiveness: Gifts received, gifts to be given. This is a powerful article that is timeless, in my opinion. It is a reminder on the link between mercy and forgiveness, and
I hope that in publishing this today, that we can all be reminded of the power of prayer and the mercy of Our Heavenly Creator.
"The link between mercy and forgiveness is absolute. This we know. This is what gives meaning to our lives. It provides hope: After we work to form a positive relationship with Christ here on earth, we will be welcomed into the kingdom of God in heaven. (Of course, most of us will be stopping by Purgatory for a while.) Jesus reconciled us to our heavenly Father, defeating death by rising from the dead, an act of pure underserved mercy and forgiveness poured out on the human family. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
How do we respond to being thus gifted? What is an appropriate answer to almighty God for the gift of life, for the gift of redemption, for the gift of faith? My answer is that there is nothing we can do for God, except to try humbly to reflect His life within our own. Scripture says, “Forgive as your heavenly Father has forgiven you” (Mt. 6:14), and “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt.5: 7).
http://www.catholicherald.com/stories/Mercy-and-forgiveness-Gifts-received-gifts-to-be-given,12628
We ourselves are the obstacles, the stumbling blocks, the barriers to His mercy. Pride is the issue here. Pride is what led Lucifer to revolt against God, and pride is what caused the downfall of Adam and Eve, and thus the human race. Once again pride raises its ugly head and refuses Jesus access to our hearts and souls when we say that we do not need to confess our sins.
Many of us have a difficulty with forgiveness of others, yet that is crucial to having our own sins forgiven. Here is a little prayer that is very useful in learning how to forgive. It is a simple prayer, admittedly hard to practice. Remember that forgiveness and mercy are acts of the will. The pain may still remain, but forgiveness for others is possible. Memorize this prayer of forgiveness and love and make it part of your prayer life. Remember, a relationship with God begins with humility and mercy, mercy toward others as well as toward oneself.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me my feelings I have toward (fill in blank).
Please bless (fill in the blank).
And make me love him/her/them as You do.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Mercy and forgiveness: Gifts received, gifts to be given. WE need only ask, and we shall receive. The test is to recognize the gifts when they appear, as they surely will.
Read more:
http://www.catholicherald.com/stories/Mercy-and-forgiveness-Gifts-received-gifts-to-be-given,12628
I hope that in publishing this today, that we can all be reminded of the power of prayer and the mercy of Our Heavenly Creator.
"The link between mercy and forgiveness is absolute. This we know. This is what gives meaning to our lives. It provides hope: After we work to form a positive relationship with Christ here on earth, we will be welcomed into the kingdom of God in heaven. (Of course, most of us will be stopping by Purgatory for a while.) Jesus reconciled us to our heavenly Father, defeating death by rising from the dead, an act of pure underserved mercy and forgiveness poured out on the human family. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
How do we respond to being thus gifted? What is an appropriate answer to almighty God for the gift of life, for the gift of redemption, for the gift of faith? My answer is that there is nothing we can do for God, except to try humbly to reflect His life within our own. Scripture says, “Forgive as your heavenly Father has forgiven you” (Mt. 6:14), and “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt.5: 7).
http://www.catholicherald.com/stories/Mercy-and-forgiveness-Gifts-received-gifts-to-be-given,12628
We ourselves are the obstacles, the stumbling blocks, the barriers to His mercy. Pride is the issue here. Pride is what led Lucifer to revolt against God, and pride is what caused the downfall of Adam and Eve, and thus the human race. Once again pride raises its ugly head and refuses Jesus access to our hearts and souls when we say that we do not need to confess our sins.
Many of us have a difficulty with forgiveness of others, yet that is crucial to having our own sins forgiven. Here is a little prayer that is very useful in learning how to forgive. It is a simple prayer, admittedly hard to practice. Remember that forgiveness and mercy are acts of the will. The pain may still remain, but forgiveness for others is possible. Memorize this prayer of forgiveness and love and make it part of your prayer life. Remember, a relationship with God begins with humility and mercy, mercy toward others as well as toward oneself.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me my feelings I have toward (fill in blank).
Please bless (fill in the blank).
And make me love him/her/them as You do.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Mercy and forgiveness: Gifts received, gifts to be given. WE need only ask, and we shall receive. The test is to recognize the gifts when they appear, as they surely will.
Read more:
http://www.catholicherald.com/stories/Mercy-and-forgiveness-Gifts-received-gifts-to-be-given,12628
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