Learn to Forgive

St. Augustine reminds us that if we are so hard-hearted that we cannot forgive even someone who sincerely repents, we can’t have any expectation that our own sins will be forgiven.

Colossians 1:15-20

THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,  whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.   He is the head of the body, the church.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent.  For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,  and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross [through him], whether those on earth or those in heaven. 

Luke 2:25-35 ..so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go 

in peace, according to your word, 

for my eyes have seen your salvation, 

which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 

a light for revelation to the Gentiles, 

and glory for your people Israel.” 

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Excerpt from "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales

In all your affairs rely on God’s Providence, through which alone your plans can succeed. Meanwhile, on your part, work on in quiet cooperation with God, and then rest satisfied that if you have entrusted your work entirely to God, you will always obtain that measure of success which is best for you, whether it seems so or not in your own judgment.

Mark Chapter 12 Verses 28 through 31

One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”