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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

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St. Patrick


Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25
Matthew 18:21-35

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cheerful forgiver

"That is why the reign of God may be said to be like a king who decided to settle accounts with his officials." —Matthew 18:23

When Jesus taught us to pray, He told us to ask for forgiveness as we forgive others (Mt 6:12). We should not only forgive, but forgive one another graciously as we wish our Father to forgive us. God wants us to forgive from our hearts (Mt 18:35), not grudgingly, but as both a cheerful giver and forgiver (2 Cor 9:7). He calls us to forgive even before the other person apologizes, to give pardon before, to "be fore-giving."

Our Father reaffirms His love for us when He forgives us. He calls us to do the same. "I therefore beg you to reaffirm your love for Him" (2 Cor 2:8). He embraces and kisses us (Lk 15:20). He puts the finest robes on us, rings on our fingers, and shoes on our feet (Lk 15:22).

Our Father forgives us in style. He forgives so graciously we even feel like forgiving ourselves. He even makes excuses for us: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34). He forgives us and tries to make us feel forgiven. That's our Father and how He wants to forgive us, as we forgive one another.

Prayer:  Father, may I forgive everyone in grand style, as You do, and be forgiven accordingly.

Promise:  "So let our sacrifice be in Your presence today as we follow You unreservedly; for those that trust in You cannot be put to shame." —Dn 3:40

Praise:  St. Patrick gave the true freedom of faith to his captors, the very ones who took away his own freedom.

Reference:  (You may wish to order our tapes to help you pray: Praying the Our Father on audio AV 67-3 or video V-67, Daily Prayers on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62, Family Prayer on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59, Married Couples Praying Together, AV 116-1 or V-116.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

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