March 14, 2023 Reflection – Not seven times, but seventy seven times…

Not seven times, but seventy-seven times…

March 14, 2023

Dear Family of Mary!

“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Mt 18:21-23)

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do. It is really hard to ask for forgiveness, because we have to humble ourselves and admit our wrongdoing. Our pride is replaced by humiliation. It sounds awful when we say it that way. But it is really the best thing we could ever do! Asking forgiveness is the moment of resurrection for our souls, when relationships are healed and our pride is left behind. And when we forgive someone, it is almost like we are giving them new life! God places that power in our hands, when we forgive and ask for forgiveness. It is a miracle really.

Our Lady has regularly taught us about forgiveness. She knows the super abundance of grace that accompanies forgiveness:

June 2, 2019

“Dear children,
only a pure and an open heart
will make it such
that you may truly come to know my Son
and that all those who do not know His love
may come to know it through you.

Only love will make you comprehend
that it is stronger than death
because true love conquered death
and made it so that death not exist.

My children,
forgiveness is the most exalted form of love.

You, as apostles of my love,
must pray that you be strong in spirit
and that you could comprehend
and forgive.

You, apostles of my love,
by understanding and forgiveness,
are giving an example of love and mercy.

To be able to comprehend and forgive
is a gift for which it is necessary to pray,
and to nurture it.

By forgiveness you are showing
that you know how to love.

Just look, my children,
how the Heavenly Father loves you
with a great love, with understanding,
forgiveness and justice –

how He gives me,
the Mother of your hearts,
to you.

And here I am among you
to bless you with a motherly blessing,
to call you to prayer, to fasting –
to tell you to believe, to hope,
to forgive,
to pray for your shepherds,
and above all to love without limits.

My children, follow me.
My way is the way of peace and love,
the way of my Son.

It is the way that leads to the triumph of my heart.
Thank you.”

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
Mary TV