March 14: Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent
Read
Matthew 18:21–35 | Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive?
Pray
Love speaks and says, “Arise!”
Arise from the haunting of past regret,
Arise from the gloom of small hurts,
Arise from the specter of what could have been.
Love speaks and says, “Let go!”
Let go the pains and burdens that weigh you,
Let go the possibility of changing the past,
Let go the self-doubt that binds you.
Love speaks and says,
“Do not trip over what is behind you!”
God of Love, speak. Amen.
Reflect
Forgiveness is perhaps the hardest part of following Jesus.
God's own Son, surveying a field of broken lives and desolate hearts, chose to call down from heaven forgiveness, not vengeance. In this way he opened a future marked not by judgment, but by mercy; not by calculations, but trust; not by despair, but hope; not by fear, but courage; not by violence, but healing; not by scarcity, but abundance; not by hate, but love; and not by death, but by new life.
So what do we do with forgiveness? We start by praying, knowing that praying shapes believing, and believing shapes actions. Forgiveness is about freeing ourselves from the things that hold us back, it is the letting go of keeping score. Forgiveness, like love, cannot be commanded or forced.
Do
Write a “forgive me” note to someone you have hurt. Decide if you need to send the note or hold onto it.
Tags: 2023 Lenten Meditations