Today's Liturgy of the Word includes a reading from the Gospel of Luke (17:1-6) that is a cornerstone for forgiveness as Christian faith in action. In this section of the gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples: If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.And if he wrongs you seven times in one … Continue reading Forgiveness is a Constant Invitation to Rebirth in Love
Christ
Forgiveness Education is Mental Health Education Grounded in Love of God and Neighbor
(photo: Bishop Timothy Dolan, OSV News, Gregory A. Shemitz, 2025) Bishop Dolan is a vocal advocate for the work of the Catholic Church to promote mental health in all of its communities. He founded the International Association of Catholic Health Ministers after experiencing the suicide of his brother, and several family members before him. OSV … Continue reading Forgiveness Education is Mental Health Education Grounded in Love of God and Neighbor
Forgiveness Will Make Your Best Tomorrow
(photo: The Unjust Steward, Eugène Burnand, 1850-1921) The reading fro the Gospel of Luke in yesterday's Liturgy of the Word related the parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-8). In this parable, a servant of a wealthy property owner is found to have squandered his employer's assets, property, and holdings, and is told to prepare … Continue reading Forgiveness Will Make Your Best Tomorrow
Meditation Nurtures Mind, Body, and Spirit for Forgiveness
(art: Saint Clare of Assisi) In September I wrote an article entitled The Way to Forgiveness: Quiet and Meditation that explained how quiet meditation can help move you mentally and spiritually to the place you need to be in order for you to be ready to engage with forgiveness. Our Franciscan tradition includes exemplars of meditation … Continue reading Meditation Nurtures Mind, Body, and Spirit for Forgiveness
Acceptance is Engagement with Reality of Forgiveness
(art: God Answering Job from the Whirlwind, William Blake, 1805 to 1806) Acceptance of a hurtful event or transgression is so important for forgiveness that it can be truly be said that forgiveness is not possible without acceptance. In the forgiveness process, acceptance in terms of "yes, this is what really happened," is involved in … Continue reading Acceptance is Engagement with Reality of Forgiveness
Middle East Bishop Lives Forgiveness as Path to Peace
(photo: Sidon, Lebanon, Vyacheslav Argenberg, 2008) Catholic Maronite Bishop Mounir Khairallah of Batrun (Lebanon) has been a vocal advocate for peace in the Middle East, as well as for interpersonal forgiveness. He was recently interviewed by Paulina Guzik for OSV News, and shared his personal story of forgiveness and his thoughts on the relationship of … Continue reading Middle East Bishop Lives Forgiveness as Path to Peace
Is there divine forgiveness for suicide?
One of the greatest tragedies and griefs that a person may experience in their lifetime is the death of a loved one when they take their own life. The despair of the loved one that first led them to taking their own life doesn't stop there, but rather extends its devastation to encircle the living … Continue reading Is there divine forgiveness for suicide?
Pope Leo Calls for “Culture of Reconciliation”
(photo: Anastasis, Chora Church, Istanbul (Constantinople), José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro, 2011) Another essential frontier lies in reconciliation and justice, especially in a world torn apart by conflict, inequality and abuse. Today, many suffer exclusion, and many wounds remain unhealed across generations and peoples...we must oppose the “globalization of powerlessness” with a culture of reconciliation — … Continue reading Pope Leo Calls for “Culture of Reconciliation”
Forgiving Just As Forgiven
(photo: Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) From lauds (morning prayer) in the Liturgy of the Hours for today (Ephesians 4:29-32): Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things people need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were … Continue reading Forgiving Just As Forgiven
A New Paradigm of Love for Understanding Human Flourishing & Forgiveness
(photo: Tom Delaney. Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) The heat of the days is giving way to coolness, and the hours of sunlight have declined. All living things are now drawn into a time of taking their rest. Everywhere you can see the wisdom of Jesus' words in the Gospel of John (12:24): Amen, amen, I … Continue reading A New Paradigm of Love for Understanding Human Flourishing & Forgiveness
Live and Forgive 