Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." (Rm. 14:8)

This is the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Christ teaches Peter the need to forgive always. God's mercy is infinite. We can't understand it on a human level. If anyone treats us wrongly, our first inclination is to react in the same manner. Scripture uses the term "stony heart" to signify this natural way of living without grace.

Normally we wait for the other person to approach us, especially if we feel it wasn't my fault. Unfortunately more often than not, this does not happen and time passes. After being estranged from our neighbor for a long period, many times we can't even remember what started it. The fleshly heart will reach out first asking forgiveness even if it wasn't my fault. This humility softens the defensive posture and allows the other person to open up. 

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I frequently meditate on how much God has forgiven me?
• Do I show the same mercy to my neighbor?
• Am I aware of anyone with whom I haven't reconciled?