Daily Gospel Reflection for March 5, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

In our family, we call it the “baton incident.”

I was four years old, playing with my two-year-old sister in the backyard of our apartment building. When I handed baby sister the baton, she promptly took the metal instrument with the rubber ends and bopped me on the head with it.

I went screaming to my mother, telling her what my sister had done. She admonished my sister, told us there would be no more playing with the baton, and tried to restore peace and order in the household.

But I was seething, as only a preschooler can. In fact, years later, I continued to bring up the incident to my sister, who replied that she had thought that, like a cartoon character, I could take the blow and be good as new.

At some point, I forgave my sister, knowing that she really meant no harm. But the path to forgiveness was long and winding and filled with obstacles along the way.

I believe that many of us, in our heart of hearts, struggle with forgiveness. We recognize the injustice of an act and we want the perpetrator to pay for his or her misdeeds.

But justice is one thing, unforgiveness is another. Seeking justice is a virtue—harboring unforgiveness is a sin. The resentment that builds up hurts those around us, as well as ourselves.

This does not mean that bad behavior should be accepted. My mother made sure my sister never again hurt me with a baton. When people hurt others, they should face the consequences of their actions and seek restoration.

Forgiveness soothes the soul. It sets our heart and our mind free. Pray that you will be able to forgive those who trespass against you, especially when it’s hard.

Ponder:

Is there someone in my life I need to forgive today?

Pray:

Loving God, You are an endless source of mercy. Help me to be merciful today and to forgive those who have hurt me.

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Forgiveness soothes the soul. It sets our heart and our mind free. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2024 Maria V. Gallagher