Feast of Saint Louise de Marillac

Good morning. Let me begin by saying that I am a sinner. This for me, as for all of us, is a crucial element toward being able to forgive those who offend us. In today’s Gospel Jesus notes the importance of forgiving others in our own desire in seeking forgiveness for ourselves. One of the most difficult things for married couples is being able to forgive, and even more so moving beyond forgiveness to reconciling with one another. Working with couples I find that they want very much to make their marital relationship better, but they often struggle with being able to forgive their partner. The key to being able to forgive, and ultimately reconcile with one another, relies upon the ability of the married couple to look inward to themselves and to their relationship as being part of a covenantal relationship with God. In doing so, our human tendency toward becoming caught up in the grip of pride loses its hold, and we then find ourselves embracing the sacramental characteristics of marriage. In the act of reminding ourselves that marriage is part of something greater than ourselves, we are able to remind ourselves that our commitment to one another is about giving ourselves totally one to the other, and it merits moving beyond just forgiving but moving onto restoring the relationship to where it was before the wrong. When we remind ourselves that God is part of the marital relationship we are able to move beyond our selfish need to be right. With God being part of our marriage, symbolized often times by intertwined wedding bands and a cross, not only is forgiveness possible, but reconciliation becomes a possibility. Forgiveness is a very difficult process, in fact impossible without the Grace of God. It begins with prayer and self scrutiny. Jesus gives us the words, “and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others.” It takes a man and a woman, two imperfect people to make a marriage, but if you can honestly say to yourself that you have never wronged your partner then hold onto their wrong, otherwise let it go. Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Louise de Marillac.