Is It Possible To Forgive? ~ by Barbara Williford

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Ps. 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10

Our theme today was MERCY. God the Father sent Jesus to the world to save it. God is always trying to bring us back into his heavenly family. He takes pity on us and the troubles we face. Jesus came to seek out sinners, those who have gone astray. Our God feels our suffering and is merciful.

Think about the 99 sheep and the 1 who was lost. Why was he lost? Did he think, "I'll find my own way?" The only way is with God who is a God of caring, mercy, compassion, patience and love.

To learn how to live a good life goes hand in hand with making mistakes. We have to be tolerant and patient. We judge too quickly, rush to make decisions, and end up making mistakes. We feel lost, overwhelmed and in trouble. BUT Jesus is always there for us. He gives us second chances all the time.

We have a duty to try to bring others to Christ. It takes courage to seek out those in need.

The homily ended with a story of a woman, Maggie, who was a scholar and had been held prisoner during WWII. She lived through her terrible experience and was attending a conference after the war. After delivering her speech entitled, "It Is Possible To Forgive", a man approached her whom she recognized as her former prison guard. He spoke to her, told her he had become Catholic and asked her for her forgiveness. She said to the man, "In the name of God, I forgive you, my brother".

What a remarkable response, made only because she truly understood Jesus' message to love everyone and to practice mercy.

AMEN.