July 13. Forgiveness. The St Anne’s sodality meeting was reflecting on the readings.  “What makes some people able to forgive or be more forgiving than others?” Mrs Sekonya asked.   “It is so sad that there are times when division continues for years and years.  Over generations it can even grow into a real feud.” “I was very happy when my Joel decided to be the one to make peace with his father and brothers after they had argued for a long time about the family farm.” 

Reflect, share, act. Scripture:  “I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt.  And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves, because you sold me, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”  Gen 45:5 from the story of Joseph and his brothers Genesis 37-50. Pope Francis.  Being able to forgive others implies the liberating experience of understanding and forgiving ourselves. Often our mistakes and criticism we have received from others can lead to a loss of self-esteem. We need to learn to pray over our past history, forgive ourselves in order to have the same attitude towards others. This assumes that we have experienced being forgiven by God. AL 107-8