V.J.E.
We, Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament here in Cleveland, Ohio want to let you all know that we are praying for you during this time of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Whether you are here in Cleveland, or in a different state or country, we are praying for you in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord!
We know we are the Body of Christ and we are all deeply connected, and because of that, I have some words to share with you based on the Gospel reading for March 17th, which is Matthew 18:21-35.
The message is this:
Crisis is also a time of opportunity.
In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to forgiveness of the heart.
Is there someone you need to forgive from the heart, not from the surface only?
Beginning with those who are closest to you…
For Jesus Himself said while He was on the cross,
“Father forgive them for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
On Ash Wednesday, we heard the words: “Repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15) or “You are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) when the priest or minister put the ashes on our foreheads.
During this time of stillness and of focusing our minds and hearts on what really matters, let us move our hearts towards forgiveness. This is a great time to break free of the chains of unforgiveness and start anew. The love of God renews us daily and moves our hearts towards compassion.
Forgiveness breaks our hearts free and allows God’s mercy to restore us. We have the grace to forgive others because Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins.
In forgiving others from the heart, we unlock the power of forgiveness and receive God’s mercy in our own hearts.
We are holding you in our hearts and prayers.
Receive the Love and Blessing from God, our Father, and from the whole Formation House here in Cleveland, Ohio.
With Eucharistic and Marian Love,
Sister Raquel Gutierrez