25th.October. 2021. Daily Devotion.
33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:33-34
It is sometimes asked if we should forgive those who hurt us even when they do not ask for forgiveness, or if they have died without asking forgiveness of us. Jesus’ example here provides the answer. None who crucified him claimed forgiveness of him, yet he asked his father to forgive them.
Jesus said we should forgive over and over again. Out of His ultimate love for us, he bestowed compassion and grace, not after we cleaned up our act, but while we were sinners. When someone has passed a hurtful judgment on us, instead of seeking revenge, we need to seek the Lord, and tap into His spring of mercy and pardon. When we forgive anyway, we are exonerated from our own bondage of painful resentment.
Dear Father, Help me, in your power, to forgive those who have wronged me. In Christ I pray, Amen.
Prayer for Faith
Give us, Lord, a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, a love of you. Take from us all lukewarmness in meditation, dullness in prayer. Give us fervour and delight in thinking of you and your grace, your tender compassion towards us. The things we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labour for: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Sir Thomas More, 16th century.
Prayer of an Aging Jesuit
Dearest Lord, teach me to grow gracefully. Help me to see that my community does me no wrong when gradually it takes from me my duties, when it no longer seems to seek my views.
Rid me of my pride in all the “wisdom” I have learned. Rid me of the illusion that I am indispensable. Help me in this gradual detachment from earthly things to grasp the meaning of your law of time.
And please, Lord, let me still be useful, contributing to the world my optimism, adding my prayers to the joyful fervour and courage of those who now take their turn at the helm.
And now, finally, may I have a clear, a deep understanding of the joyful destiny you have prepared for me, guiding my every step from the first day of my life. Amen.
Coronavirus
As Coronavirus cases show few signs of abating, continue to pray for all who may be affected and all who mourn those who have succumbed.
Those who are sick, afraid, worried
Lord Jesus, we ask you to bring your healing touch to those whom we know to be sick, afraid, or worried. Bring them your peace and healing. Amen
Watch, Lord, with those in need
Watch, dear Lord, with those who cannot sleep and those who weep this night. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary and bless the dying. Relieve those who are suffering, have pity on those in great distress, and shield those who are happy. Amen.
