Fr. Mike's Homilies: Forgiving Those Who Have Hurt Us

"Loving is difficult and forgiveness is a decision." One of the most difficult commands that Jesus has called us to is the command to forgive others who have hurt us and those we love. Loving like this is really hard! We are all confronted with the temptation towards resentment and the pressure from our culture telling us we are weak if we can't get even with our enemies. But when we consider what Jesus went through for love of us—his Passion and death—we realize that only the strongest, toughest love is willing to forgive and turn the other cheek. It is truly tough love that is willing to weigh up the hurt and release the offender from the debt they owe! Each day of this study plan will share a different aspect of "tough love" and how to show Christian virtue to those around us. The reflection questions at the bottom of the page each day will help you contemplate how you can grow in love and discover practical ways to show God's love to those around you each day.