How often must we forgive?
Dear Family of Mary!
In the beginning of our Gospel for today Peter asks Jesus a question:
“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…’ ” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Jesus’ answer is meant to show that there really is no end to forgiveness. We must forgive and forgive and forgive. To forgive is to love, to love even as God loves. It shows how far we will go to repair our relationships with one another, even as God wishes to repair our relationship with Him.
Our Lady has stressed the importance of forgiveness in her messages. Here are five messages that we could meditate upon today, perhaps during our family Rosary. Her words are encouraging but serious! Forgiveness is a work of love!
January 25, 2015 “Dear children! Also today I call you: live your vocation in prayer. Now, as never before, Satan wants to suffocate man and his soul by his contagious wind of hatred and unrest. In many hearts there is no joy because there is no God or prayer. Hatred and war are growing from day to day. I am calling you, little children, begin anew, with enthusiasm, the walk of holiness and love; since I have come among you because of this. Together let us be love and forgiveness for all those who know and want to love only with a human love and not with that immeasurable love of God to which God calls you. Little children, may hope in a better tomorrow always be in your heart. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
January 25, 2020 “Dear children! Today I am calling you to pray even more, until you feel the holiness of forgiveness in your heart. There must be holiness in the families, little children, because there is no future for the world without love and holiness – because in holiness and joy, you give yourselves to God the Creator who loves you with immeasurable love. This is why He sends me to you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
July 2, 2009 “Dear children! I am calling you because I need you. I need hearts ready for immeasurable love. Hearts that are not burdened by vanity. Hearts that are ready to love as my Son loved, that are ready to sacrifice themselves as my Son sacrificed Himself. I need you. In order to come with me, forgive yourselves, forgive others and adore my Son. Adore Him also for those who have not come to know Him, those who do not love Him… Therefore, I need you. Therefore, I call you. Thank you.”
January 2, 2010 “Dear children, Today I am calling you to, with complete trust and love, set out with me because I desire to acquaint you with my Son. Do not be afraid, my children, I am here with you; I am next to you. I am showing you the way to forgive yourselves, to forgive others, and, with sincere repentance of heart, to kneel before the Father. Make everything die in you that hinders you from loving and saving, that you may be with Him and in Him. Decide for a new beginning, a beginning of sincere love of God Himself. Thank you.”
September 2, 2010 “Dear children; I am beside you because I desire to help you to overcome trials, which this time of purification puts before you. My children, one of those is not to forgive, and not to ask for forgiveness. Every sin offends love and distances you from it and love is my Son. Therefore, my children, if you desire to walk with me towards the peace of God’s love, you must learn to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Thank you.”
Dear St. Joseph, please pray for us that we might forgive all those who have harmed us and also to forgive ourselves. May we be people of mercy like our Lord Jesus and our Mother Mary!
Dear St. Joseph, foster father of us all, we love you!
You so faithfully stayed by the side of Mary when she gave Jesus to the world. Help us now in our turn stay faithfully by her side as she gives Him to us anew… She told us in this message: “Dear children! Today I call you to pray and fast for my intentions, because Satan wants to destroy my plan. Here I began with this parish and invited the entire world. Many have responded, but there is an enormous number of those who do not want to hear or accept my call. Therefore, you who have said ‘yes’, be strong and resolute. Thank you for having responded to my call.” (August 25, 2011)
Dear St. Joseph, you were always strong and resolute – in Bethlehem, in Egypt, and in Nazareth. You never wavered from the side of Mary. Help us to be strong and resolute and to never waver from her side. “My children, be my apostles who have not lived in vain. Do not forget that you will come before the Heavenly Father and tell Him about yourself. Be ready!” (April 2, 2013)
Dear St. Joseph, help us to be faithful to the call of Our Lady and to witness to her presence in these days. St. Joseph, pray for us!!
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
(c)Mary TV 2021
