We have a tendency to hug wrath, anger, resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness (see Sir 27:30). This is the embrace of death, for "the vengeful will suffer the Lord's vengeance" (Sir 28:1). "He remembers their sins in detail" (Sir 28:1). If we embrace unforgiveness and its side-effects:

• Our sins will not be forgiven (Mt 6:12; Sir 28:2, 4, 5).
• Our prayer will not be heard (Mk 11:25; Sir 28:2).
• We will block the Lord from giving us healing (Sir 28:3).
• We will block the Lord's mercy from entering our lives (Sir 28:4; Mt 5:7).

The effects of and deprivations resulting from unforgiveness are so devastating that they produce in us a life of torture (see Mt 18:34).

For God's sake and our own sake we must accept the grace to live lives of forgiveness. We must keep forgiving 70 times 7 times (Mt 18:22) and forgive even our enemies (see Lk 23:34). We, like the father of the prodigal sons, must show our enemies love and mercy in practical ways (see Lk 15:20ff). Because we have to forgive so many people so many times and have to express these forgivenesses practically, forgiveness should become a way of life. Forgiveness makes our lives miraculous and full of grace.

By forgiveness, choose a life of miracles, mercy, and grace rather than a life of deprivation and torture.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002