A WORD FOR TODAY 14 March, 2023

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*FORGIVE AND LET GO*

_"Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?"(Matthew 18:33-34)_

_*The gospel reading of today focuses on forgiveness. We are encouraged to forgive those who have hurt us so that we could also receive forgiveness when we ask for it from the Lord.*_

_We live in a world where out of selfishness we tend to act in a manner that hurts other people and destroys the good relationship we have with them. This can come through betrayal, lying, defamation of character, stealing and so on._

_*The teaching of Jesus is that we must forgive when we are offended. Peter in the gospel reading asked how many times one could forgive before he could have reason to retaliate and Jesus' response simply means that it is always.*_

_We offend God from time to time and He forgives us, therefore, we are bound also to show same compassion and mercy we receive from God to others who offend us. Infact, if we do not forgive those who have offended us, we will not be able to receive forgiveness from the Lord._

_*If we wish to stay happy living our lives here on earth and be hopeful to see God face to face in heaven, we must always be ready to genuinely forgive from our heart and let go. Holding unto what they have done to you in your heart will make you bear grudges, hate them, thirst for revenge and even desire to get rid of those who have offended you.*_

_Forgiveness brings healing and peace in the soul. It sets you free from the pain of hurtful feelings. It gives you the inner strength to do more good and to love like Jesus. It opens the door for blessings of God to flow to you and it makes you to shine as the light of the world following the example of Jesus who forgave those who nailed Him to the cross._

_*Do not bear that pain in your heart and let it kill you. Forgive and let go. When you truly forgive from your heart, you may remember what they have done to you, but you will no longer feel pain when you see those who have hurt you. When you forgive from your heart you untie yourself from the bondage you entered into through unforgiveness. When you forgive from your heart you become a true disciple of Christ.*_

_If we truly desire to find God's mercy and compassion when we sin, we must be ready to fogive those who have offended us. This may be difficult in human eye, but that is the way of Christ and it is the only way to be happy and free to serve your God well here on earth. Forgive and let go and your joy will be restored to full capacity._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a lovely day. May God give you the grace to forgive from your heart always. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Daniel 3:2,11-20/Psalm 25:4-9/Matthew 18:21-35

*Watch-Word:* Remember your compassion, O Lord.

_*Do not let hatred, wickedness and thirst for revenge deny you the opportunity to love as Christ has loved you. Forgive and let go and you will be free.*_

(Tuesday of the third week of Lent. Year A)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*