The scriptures today address the obligation to forgive our neighbors who have done us wrong. The call to forgiveness is not a suggestion for our consideration but a commandment for our implementation! Forgiveness is so central to Christian living that, when it is absent, we become indistinguishable from any other group. Forgiveness then is THE identifying trademark that marks us out as disciples of Jesus Christ. That is, showing love to those who are not showing it back to us!

But what do you do when you can't forgive. The same thing you do if you realize that you can't stop lying or stealing or gossiping about others: You ask for assistance! Most people cannot forgive others because their personal supply of mercy is on empty. But what is a child of God doing walking around without a generous supply of mercy? Is God withholding it, or are you not receiving it? The scriptures tell us that God is rich in mercy and radically generous in sharing it. Therefore, if you or I have no mercy to share, it says more about us than about the persons that hurt us! If you find yourself unable to forgive, know this: The problem lies not in your inability to give mercy but in your inability or unwillingness to receive it! Instead of sitting powerless over your hurt and anger, go to the filling station (Confession, Eucharist, Prayer) and drink from God's generous supply of mercy and forgiveness!