Tuesday 11th November
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Matthew 6:12
In 1902, 11-year-old Maria Goretti was killed by Alessandro, a 20-year-old man, when she refused his unwanted sexual advances. Before she died, Maria said, “Yes, for the love of Jesus I forgive him…andIwanthimtobewithmein paradise.” Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He asked for Maria’s mother’s forgiveness when he was released from prison after 27 years after Maria appeared to him in a dream. He spent the rest of his life as a Franciscan lay brother. In 1950, Alessandro attended the canonisation of Maria with her family. St Maria showed us a miracle of God’s forgiveness. She forgave Alessandro, but she also challenged him and led him to seek forgiveness and to change his life.
When we forgive those who have wronged us, do we also pray about whether or not we should also communicate with them? We can also pray for those who have trespassed against us who have died. Jesus, please help us to imitate you and St Maria by forgiving our enemies, but also to reach out to them. Give us the courage and compassion to forgive them as you have forgiven us.