DO IT FOR YOUR SOUL
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” – Matthew 18:21
Can you imagine yourself taking a bath only once a month? You’ll freak
out, right? But let’s say there’s a water shortage and a
presidential
decree was issued that showers can only be taken every 30 days, with a
maximum of two gallons of water for each Filipino per bath.
Entering into an air-conditioned room will be a nightmare. Prayer
meetings will prohibit the lifting of hands. The basketball ring will be
lowered to four feet.
My message? That you and I do more deranged things than bathing
monthly. For example, when we do not forgive others every day. Our
bodies need regular washing because we get dirty every day. But so do
our hearts. Because each day, people hurt us, offend us, forget us, snub
us, step on us, or reject us. But if we choose to forgive everyone
every day, we cleanse our hearts.
Some people, however, will accumulate their hurts. Perhaps in a Holy
Week retreat, they decide to forgive all their enemies. But without such
rare events, they just become filthier each day. Their spirits begin to
smell. Their stench becomes flammable. For these people, hell begins
now.
Forgive — and you’ll smell fresh each day. Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)
Reflection: “Forgive, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” (Jonathan Lockwood Huie)
Grant me the grace, Lord, to forgive and let go of my hurts each day.
St. David of Wales, bishop, pray for us.
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