As the
culmination of this Lenten season draws near, what have you found that brings
you hope, restores peace of heart, renews your energy? Or what keeps you starting over, persevering,
keeping faith?
When I reflect upon the Lenten Scriptures, the
transforming power of forgiveness jumps out at me. The woman at the well, the
prodigal son, Peter in the courtyard…
Forgiving oneself and forgiving others is no easy task. Only
God’s grace can give us the strength and the trust to do either. Our more frequent failures can attune us to possibly
needed changes in our attitudes. Sometimes, though, we can only pray to begin a heart-changing process. Sometimes,
this takes years. What The Rule (of Benedict) makes clear is
that forgiveness is not a bolt of lightning, but a slow, steady slog through
sand.*
As
we look forward to this Palm Sunday and the sacred days of Holy Week, let us
remember the loving embrace of the father, the woman’s restored dignity, and
Peter’s denial -conversion. Let us pray
to be open to receiving this graced gift of forgiveness and to passing it on to
another – living or deceased.
Sr. Sharon
Portwood, OSB
*How
To Live by Judith Valente c 2018
Dear Sister, I have found energy and hope in a closer reading of Mary's Song, looking at the original Greek and looking also at the LXX Septuagint, finding an echo in ps 101 the Greek word iperifanos, the proud, whom Mary casts out by her prayer, as does the Psalm, and she is telling us to know what is wicked by this word of pride. How strong the Magnificat is to pray with to God! What strength it gives! Can we sing it in Greek and Latin together for double strength? God bless OSB amen
ReplyDeletepowerful reminder. may grace and mercy guide my forgiveness. thank you.
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