Daily Reflections

September 11, 2011
Walang Utang Na Loob!

Forgiveness was a radical teaching from Jesus and was one of the reasons why some questioned and rejected Him. But it was also for the same reason that many were attracted to Him. Jesus knew it was difficult because of the common human tendency to retaliate when attacked, get even when abused, revenge when vilified. Jesus knew that the spiralling violence would only lead to more pains, destruction and death — and such was not part of God’s plan when He created the world. Peace, harmony, bliss, glory and the like are what He wanted for everyone. Therefore, forgiveness!
There was a time in my life when I thought I was the worst sinner in the world. Not that I had committed all of the sins possible. I thought I had wronged many people and had developed a minimum regard for God. Yes, I believed in God, but it was merely in thought or a lip service. I still feared Him, but not enough not to succumb to every temptation that I encounter. By God’s grace, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I was given the courage to humble myself before the Lord. I went to a priest to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. After confessing my sins, I asked the priest if God could forgive me. He assured me that God had forgiven me because I was contrite. But just as I was about to leave, I remembered somebody who had greatly offended me. I told the priest about it and the pain it was causing me. The priest asked me to forgive the person. I said I could not, and he was surprised. Then he reminded me of the forgiveness I just received from God.
In the last part of the “Our Father,” we say, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Put in another way, it means that we are asking God not to forgive us unless we forgive others. The prayer did not mean to attach a condition to God’s forgiveness. Never does God give any condition to His forgiveness. We are forgiven once we admit our sins and resolve not to do them anymore. So how can we accept God’s forgiveness when we do not give it to others? Unless “wala kang utang na loob (you are ungrateful)!” Fr. Benny Tuazon

Reflection Question:
Is there someone you need to forgive? What’s keeping you from doing so?

Father, grant me a humble and forgiving heart.

St. Vincent of Leon, pray for us.