HEAVEN'S THERAPY SESSION: Forgiveness

Gospel Mathew 5:20-26
"Remember that if your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Mathew 5:23-24

It feels so good to be back in my Little House in the City. As much as I would love the role of "Ma" and Clementine run out in the vast prairie with her handstitched dress to go gather eggs, God has planted me in the heart of the City and I am reminded in prayer this morning that there is work to do. Life is not about our plans, it is about God's plan for us. We had a wonderful time at the ranch, but there is no better feeling than coming back to your own home and space where God has planted you for the time being.

We have a dreadful reminder in today's gospel to love our enemies. This is one of the hardest aspects of being a Christian, I believe. As I read the gospel this morning, I am reminded of Jesus on the cross when He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." This is amazing to me! If Jesus can forgive the very men who beat him and murdered him, can we not forgive the mother-in-law who made us mad? Or can we not forgive the "friend" who treated us bad? I am also reminded in the gospel this morning of forgiveness in motherhood. There are many times that I lash out at my children without thinking things through and I have to ask for their forgiveness for my behavior. I have even put myself in the "naughty corner" before! As mothers, we have to remind ourselves that we are human, for goodness sake! We are going to make mistakes and sometimes treat our children as we DON'T want to be treated. These very moments, I belive, are great teaching moments about forgiveness. We live in a world where everyone points the finger. No one owns up to their mistakes. This is a vital lesson for our children to learn through us.....to own up to their mistakes and ask for forgiveness.

So whatever "bad chi" is out their between you and your fellow brother or sister, husband or children.....forgive them in your heart and ask for forgiveness if need be. The chains will be broken and you will be FREE. If you keep it all bottled up inside, this is free reign for the great rot of Satan. He will slowly eat away your joyful soul and bind you up in the prison of bitterness, self-absorbtion, and egotism. Let it go....whatever is eating you up inside. Talk to the person, pray for him/her, ask for forgiveness, go to confession and experience God's grace and freedom in your soul. There is no better therapy than that!

Blessings to you this Thursday! Glad to be back to writing!