if you do not forgive

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 St. Patrick (Commemoration) (Total Consecration - Day 26)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Psalm 25:4-9 Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 18:35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

There is a temptation to think that because God is love and our Christian faith is built upon mercy and grace, that we are OK and God's forgiveness is unending. Jesus tells his disciples in another scripture to forgive every time someone repents and seeks your forgiveness. But if they don't repent?
Well, here we have the words of Jesus telling us that if we refuse to pass on the grace and mercy that has been given to us, God the Father will take away our forgiveness and we will have to pay for our own sins. That is tough medicine.
Jesus says elsewhere to whom much is given, much is required and we have been given much.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to honestly and faithfully seek your mercy and grace by sharing what you have given me with others. Help me to have a heart of forgiveness and of charity.

Amen