Christ Jesus, help me not count the sins of others against them...

2 Corinthians 5:17-21
 
In our journey through Lent, forgiveness and reconciliation are two gifts in our lives, to be both received and passed on.  Unfortunately, worldly laws and layers of hierarchy encourage us to not only notice, but count and record the trespasses of others –individuals, institutions, and governments - and spend large amounts of money on lawyers to help us do this! In so recycling and tracking the faults of others, we find ourselves chained by resentments and bitterness, far from the life of love Jesus promises us.  But when we live into our heritage of grace as followers of Christ Jesus, as St. Paul reminds us, “there is a new creation; everything old has passed away, see, everything has become new!  All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” As I bring to mind Jesus’ words from the cross, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do,” and live into my ministry of reconciliation, I will stop counting the trespasses of others against them, and allow all things, including my bruised soul and troublesome relationships, to become new. Will I enter fully into the passion of Christ by releasing my own sins, and the trespasses of others against me? Will I let the old pass away and live into the new creation of God? Holy Spirit of God, help me not count the sins of others against them.
 
This poor one called, and the Lord heard, and saved that person from every trouble.  (Psalm 34:6)
 
If we are to grow in love, the prisons of our egoism must be unlocked. This implies suffering, constant effort and repeated choices.” 
― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth                                                                
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei