July 10. 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 brothers after they had argued for a long time about the family farm.” That is a very good example for our children and grandchildren.  “I wonder if animals bear grudges too, like elephants are supposed to never forget.”

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.   It is easy to be tempted to turn the page, to say that all these things happened long ago and we should look to the future.   We can never move forward without remembering the past; we do not progress without an honest and unclouded memory.   We need to keep alive the flame of collective conscience, bearing witness to succeeding generations to the horrors of what happened.”  FT249.  JUBILEE. The sacrament of Reconciliation is not only a magnificent spiritual gift, but also a decisive, essential and fundamental step on our journey of faith. There, we allow the Lord to erase our sins, to heal our hearts, to raise us up, to embrace us and to reveal to us his tender and compassionate countenance. There is no better way to know God than to let him reconcile us to himself (cf. 2 Cor 5:20) and savour his forgiveness.  SNC 23 Act and pray. For the needs of families, especially grandparents and the elderly.