Two Sides of Forgiveness

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 11th Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 6:7-15*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 11:1-11*

*Two Sides of Forgiveness*

*1) Lords prayer and Forgiveness*

In today's Gospel we reflect about the Lords and the various aspects involved in this prayer 

Among all prayers, the prayer which was taught by Jesus to His disciples has become the part and parcel of our life, because we use this prayer very often and we believe that this prayer is very powerful 

Forgiveness is one of the important aspects of this prayer which is very much highlighted in this prayer 

*2) Forgiveness with three times and with Two sides*

The Lords prayer and the concluding remarks on the Lords prayer makes this important point :Highlights the aspect of forgiveness three times with the reference to two sides 

*A) forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us*

*B) If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.*

*But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”*

Jesus highlights the aspect of forgiveness three times here 

The two sides are : Forgiveness from God and forgiving others

*3) One Sided forgiveness*

Most of the times when we think about forgiveness, we think only one side that asking forgiveness from God

Many of us have the understanding that, by asking forgiveness from God, or by making a confession, everything is fine 

But we need to carefully read what Jesus taught us *forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;*

So the way we forgive others trespasses, God will forgive our trespasses. This we need to take very seriously

*4) It is easy to ask forgiveness from God, but difficult from the neighbor*

All of us ask forgiveness from God, for the sins we commit against others 

But when it comes to face the other to forgive others or to receive forgiveness, we find it very difficult. 

Many people are not ready to forgive others, but ready to ask forgiveness from God. 

This one sided forgiveness has no value. Forgiveness becomes very effective when we are ready to humble before others and ready to forgive

*5) Forgiving others, is the way to Gods forgiveness*

Unless we take this route or the way, we can't reach to God's forgiveness

Forgiving others is the only way and the highway, which leads to God's forgiveness

One who tries find other than this way, finds no way to God's Forgiveness

*6) Am I ready to forgive others?*

Since this is the only way, we need to think about it very seriously

Forgiveness has two sides just like a coin which has two sides. We don't find a coin with one side. Likewise there is no one sided forgiveness. One sided forgiveness is no forgiveness

So what is my attitude towards forgiveness??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*