Wholeness and Happiness

In the Gospel for last Sunday’s Mass, Jesus speaks about forgiveness, its importance and what real forgiveness means – no limits. (Matthew 18: 21 – 35)

For many this is the most difficult Christian teaching. We are upset and hurt on a daily basis and each hurt can leave its mark. Worse still many struggle under heavy loads – even from childhood.

Can we really forgive those who have inflicted especially grave injuries upon us?

Yet Jesus says if we can’t forgive, we cannot expect God to forgive us. In the “Our Father” prayer we read “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…”

If we harbour resentment perhaps hatred, we damage ourselves and cannot be all that we could be.

Forgiveness is an essential part of love. Love comes from God who is love – and Mercy. As Pope Frances has said, “The name of God is Mercy.”

But a healing and support network is needed – the Church. A loving Community is essential to heal our brokenness caused by a love deficit. Also to help us to grow in love which is essential for our wholeness. Wholeness can be seen as being who we are in God’s loving vision for us.

What is Love?

Jesus Christ is love incarnate.

The cross is the greatest symbol of love for all time.

Metanoia is needed for this new way of living– a complete change of heart which culminates in Baptism. Baptism is to be immersed in the family of the loving God. Daughters and sons of God who is love. Brothers and sisters of Christ who embodies love and temples of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to love.

Family, forgiveness and empowerment lead to wholeness and shields us from the antitheses of love.