Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 13, 2020
Forgiveness
We have been taught since our earliest Sunday school days that we are forgiven of our sins as followers of Jesus. If we ask Jesus, we will be forgiven. But, there is more to forgiveness than just asking. The Gospel shows forgiveness from two points of view, the forgiven and the forgiver. Which is harder, to be forgiven or to do the forgiving?
The unwillingness to forgive creates a life in which you hold onto anger, are always distrustful; you hold onto the self righteousness, which hardens your heart, stealing the joy from your life. This is seen throughout life, families, and all relationships, this lack of forgiveness when you feel someone has slighted you. Yes, there is a chance for reconciliation, but when you allow the need to be right and to win to consume you, it is at this point that it becomes harder to forgive than to be forgiven, even if the person asking is truly penitent.
Even though our television shows, which are all about grudges and lack of forgiveness, make for good drama, in real life it kills the heart inside of all of us. That’s what Jesus is getting at about forgiveness and reconciliation. It does not mean that you are not going to be angry, it doesn’t mean you wont get hurt. It doesn’t matter if you are right or wrong, the one needing to forgive or the one seeking forgiveness, those things are going to happen.
What it means is that you need to consciously try to forgive those who slight you. It doesn’t mean that you do not hold them accountable, but you have to let go of the anger, so you can come together in a new common ground to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
For God, the hurt is never too much; it is there and it is real, but it takes time to learn to let go. God gives us the tools, through Jesus the ultimate forgiver, the ultimate giver of Grace. Through him, we are forgiven over and over again, even though we do not deserve it. Love one another as God loves you through all things.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
The unwillingness to forgive creates a life in which you hold onto anger, are always distrustful; you hold onto the self righteousness, which hardens your heart, stealing the joy from your life. This is seen throughout life, families, and all relationships, this lack of forgiveness when you feel someone has slighted you. Yes, there is a chance for reconciliation, but when you allow the need to be right and to win to consume you, it is at this point that it becomes harder to forgive than to be forgiven, even if the person asking is truly penitent.
Even though our television shows, which are all about grudges and lack of forgiveness, make for good drama, in real life it kills the heart inside of all of us. That’s what Jesus is getting at about forgiveness and reconciliation. It does not mean that you are not going to be angry, it doesn’t mean you wont get hurt. It doesn’t matter if you are right or wrong, the one needing to forgive or the one seeking forgiveness, those things are going to happen.
What it means is that you need to consciously try to forgive those who slight you. It doesn’t mean that you do not hold them accountable, but you have to let go of the anger, so you can come together in a new common ground to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
For God, the hurt is never too much; it is there and it is real, but it takes time to learn to let go. God gives us the tools, through Jesus the ultimate forgiver, the ultimate giver of Grace. Through him, we are forgiven over and over again, even though we do not deserve it. Love one another as God loves you through all things.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
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We are blessed to be able to have Morning Prayer service. Please find the September 13th, the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost service above. Click the buttons to be taken to the video, via YouTube, and to have a printable copy to follow along with. As always please email office@ascensionepiscoplachurch.org if you have any questions, or need any assistance.
All of our recorded services are available on the Sermons/Video Services page, located under the Worship tab. (Or click HERE) |
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COVID can't keep
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Under the direction of the Diocese, we will not hold church services in the sanctuary until further notice. Bible Studies and other scheduled activities will also not occur. Fr. Mark has covered many of your questions HERE, and asks you to please remain prayerfully united as we traverse this uncertain time. Please read his message and know that he and the church staff are ever vigilant in email and text communication.
Please do not hesitate to reach out!!
Please do not hesitate to reach out!!
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