Holy Family

Holy Family

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Feast of Saint Antonio Zaccaria


Good morning. One of the most difficult things to do, and yet when done its benefit is at times beyond description is that of forgiveness. The difficulty in the giving of this thing called forgiveness is the belief that it results in a loss rather than a gain. And, in a sense it is, we are giving away something of ourselves, but ultimately we are likewise gaining much more. In today’s Gospel we read of forgiveness. Jesus stands always ready to forgive. We too are asked to forgive. The act of forgiveness does not undo the act being forgiven, but it frees us up to get up and get on with our lives. "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." Forgiveness frees us from the memory of the hurt and allows it to no longer continue hurting us. Forgiveness is an act of self-love, a healing gift we give ourselves, and it is the giving of our love to that other who hurt us. How can we ask any less of ourselves than the one our saint for today, Saint Antonio Zaccaria points to in today's image? Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves.  It just doesn’t get any better than that. Who do we need to forgive? Make a great day! 





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