St. Cecilia Church recently issued the following announcement.

Studies by a number of psychologists show that it is not great riches that make people happy. The happiest people surround themselves with family and friends, and most importantly, the happiest people forgive easily. 

Far too many of us cling to past hurts, or offended pride. Like bumper cars at an amusement park, we take a hit, then look to bump others back harder than we got hit, and to keep doing so, until utterly exhausted. An unforgiving heart can set the stage for anxiety, depression, paranoia, and narcissism. 

So, Jesus tells us to forgive! In today’s gospel, the king says, I forgave you... because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? 

Jesus is telling us that we forgive, not because the offender deserves it, but because we’ve been forgiven! How often has God forgiven us, over and over again? Forgive, as the Lord has forgiven us! Whether we are the offender, or the offended, it is our responsibility to take the initiative toward forgiveness, as God has forgiven us. Jesus even gave his life for us! 

While we were still in sin, He loved us. Look at all that we have received from the Lord! Whatever pain we may receive from others is minor compared to the gifts God has given us, and eternal life to come! We can't let pain destroy our ability to receive God's gifts. Pay what you owe is the "lifestyle" of misery. Forgiveness really is the only way to live happily. 

Daily we pray: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Freely we have been forgiven; let us freely forgive! .

 Fr Jim

Original source can be found here.