9 December. The Power of Forgiveness.  Joseph. Michael shared with Sharon, “You know that when we did the training for marriage preparation I was quite challenged by the idea that couples, through their Sacrament of Matrimony, have the grace of forgiveness.  This is not exactly the same as God’s taking away our sins, but after I had that affair and you found out and challenged me, I felt terrible, so guilty I just wanted to crawl into a hole. When, after some time and some counselling you said, “I forgive you and would like to start over, it felt like being healed and reborn. I was over the moon to be able to figuratively pick up my bed and come back home to you. I can’t say thank you often enough for that.”  Their intimate smile to each other spoke volumes. She added, “I believe that forgiveness is truly a family gift, for couples and siblings too. That Old Testament “saint” Joseph forgave his brothers for their evil plan to get rid of him out of jealousy.” 

Reflect, share, Scripture:  Jesus said, “Why do you question? What is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven you, or to say, Rise and walk?” But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins, he said to the man who was paralysed, “Rise up, take up your bed and go home.” Luke 5:17-26.  Read the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis.  Pope Francis:  Couples should be helped to realise that surmounting a crisis need not weaken their relationship; instead it can improve, settle and mature the wine of their union.AL 232.  In resolving to forgive the other, each has to ask quietly and humbly if he or she has not somehow created the conditions that led to the other’s mistakes. AL 236. Jubilee.  The experience of full forgiveness by God, cannot fail to open our hearts and minds to the need to forgive others in turn. Forgiveness does not change the past; it cannot change what happened in the past, yet it can allow us to change the future and to live different lives, free of anger, animosity and vindictiveness. Forgiveness makes possible a brighter future, which enables us to look at the past with different eyes, now more serene, albeit still bearing the trace of past tears.SNC 23.  Act and pray:  Pray for openness to growth and willingness to be forgiving and forgiven.