There are seven Spiritual Works of Mercy and there are seven Corporal Works of Mercy. I have purposely started writing about the Spiritual Works of Mercy because it is out of our prayer that we then go out and live the Corporal Works of Mercy. It is love of God which the Spiritual Works of Mercy help us to do that help us live out the Corporal Works of Mercy. This week I am writing about the 5th Spiritual Work of Mercy. It is Forgiving Injuries. This can be very tough! In a society where we are taught from a young age to hold on to grudges, we so often believe that not forgiving someone will hurt them. (Remember, I am not saying in forgiving someone that what they did was okay. I am saying that I am going to live my life). Forgiveness allows us to heal and move on; Not forgiving leaves us stuck in pain and lacking healing.
FORGIVING INJURIES
Forgiving others is difficult at times because we do not have God's limitless mercy and compassion. But Jesus teaches us that we should forgive as God forgives, relying on him to help us show others the mercy of God
- Let go of grudges
- Saying sorry is something we learn as kids, but how often do we really mean it? Forgiveness transforms hearts and lives
- Participate in the Sacrament of Penance
- Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Excerpt of USCCB.org
I have heard the inability to forgive described as the following. It is taking a poison pill so that I can get even with someone that hurt me. Doesn’t that just sound crazy! Still, that is what not forgiving does in our lives. We are to forgive as He has forgiven us. This is what Jesus calls us to do!
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault