God is calling us to forgive our enemies

This morning, I went to St John and Paul Church for mass. I arrived with a heavy heart, feeling again directionless and afraid of an uncertain future ahead. I could not focus on praying as I sat there reciting the rosary.

Mass started and Father started by quoting Azariah in the first reading of the book of Daniel 3: 34-43. He said that Azariah was confident in the trust he had in God that God will be merciful to those who trust in Him. At that point, I wandered if I have placed my total trust in God. Should I not be certain in my heart that God will be merciful to me... As all the worries and troubles consume me every other day, I strive to surrender them all in total trust to God and receive His mercies and blessings in the process.

Father surprised me by giving a short homily after the Gospel reading. He shared about the topic of forgiveness and how we are called to imitate Christ. The very first prayer that Christ prayed while on the cross was a prayer for his enemies asking God to "Forgive them for they know not what they are doing". I felt this was very appropriate during this period of Lent but even more so for me. I always seem to hold on to hurts that my so called "enemies" inflicked onto me. These enemies of mine include persons, group of people, particular systems etc. I find it very hard to let go, let alone pray for them and yes, forgive them.

Another point that Father brought up was that holding on to unforgiveness has the physchological effect of causing depression in us. This really harms us instead of others who have caused us hurt. I totally agree with this point and as I look at my life, I find so many occasions where I have allowed the grudges I hold to affect my moods. These in turn affect my relationships with my love ones. 

It is really difficult to forgive our enemies but God is calling us to forgive our enemies. We are called to imitate Christ and we will reap the joy and peace that forgiveness brings. I have decided to make this conscious effort to forgive anyone for steps on my toes and I pray that God will grant me the strength I need.

Dear Lord, I want to forgive those who have killed my spirits but I know that I cannot do this without your help. So help me Lord to acknowledge my enemies and to forgive them. Amen.