Friday of the 8th week in Ordinary time, June 2, 2023
Sir 44:1, 9-13; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Mk 11:11-26
As many of you know, my father passed away recently. Like anyone, I spent some time reflecting on my Dad and all he did for me throughout my life, and how he lived his life. It is good for us to periodically look back and see what difference those around us, and even ourselves, have made in the world. As our first reading says, my Dad was a godly man. He taught me many things, but mostly to praise God for all the good times, and even struggles we have had in life. Rarely did my dad have cross words for anyone, in fact, he was known as “Mr. Nice,” sometimes to his own detriment. And when he did get angry, especially with me, it was generally righteous anger, not an anger that was vindictive. And, of course, I deserved that anger. But he always forgave me, and I forgave him. I always knew he loved me, and I loved him. As our first reading from Sirach says: “Yet these also were Godly men, whose virtues will never be forgotten.” That is the legacy I will always remember of my father.
It seems Jesus was angry in today’s Gospel; He cursed a fig tree and threw out the money changers from the temple. He was not so much angry, as using these two examples to teach us what would happen if we let our own anger get in the way. If we failed to listen to Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness, we too would bear no fruit and wither away. The disciples were dumbfounded to see the tree he cursed all withered up. But Jesus warns them, unless you forgive others, you too may end up that way. I read recently that if we chose not to forgive, our hearts are so hardened that we cannot receive the graces we need from the Holy Spirit to allow us to forgive. And if we cannot forgive, it makes it very difficult for us to receive forgiveness from our Father in Heaven. Jesus states it very clearly in the last line from the Gospel of Mark today: “Forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”
Even in my Dad’s old age and affliction with Alzheimer’s, I truly believe he continued to forgive anyone who may have harmed him. Whether they forgave my Dad or not, was not important. It was important that my Dad forgave them, so his soul could be free. So should we all. Begin this day by asking forgiveness from anyone whom you may have offended and pray that our heavenly Father forgives you. Lest your own anger causes you to wither and die like that fig tree.
Saint James Catholic Church 