(Homily on the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time A)

Many of us watched and cheered for our team during the US Open in New York this past week.  Everywhere I went, people were on the screen watching tennis. Many were drawn to tennis, young and old, because it has a slower pace than other sports. It is exciting to watch players hit the ball back and forth across the court until one player scores a point by forcing their opponent to miss a shot or hit the ball out of bounds.

According to one player, focus and the presence of mind are important. They cannot be distracted by things around them, including the noise and cheering of the crowd. Equally important is the attitude and the ability to recover fast from failing to make a score.  Active recovery is necessary to help players start again, hit the ball, and make a score.

There is no need to expend energy after every failed point. They refocus on the next round and become even more determined about how to play well to be able to score again. Recover fast! The keywords are let it go!

In life, recovery is essential.  I acknowledge that some pains in life are complex, and it takes time to recover, but the most important lesson is that we must not dwell on the pains of the past. We must proceed reasonably to gain another beautiful experience and succeed.

That is life. It is essential to have focus and the ability to recover from past mistakes. How do we do that? We need to learn how to forgive- to forgive ourselves and others as well.  Forgiveness is the first and the best way out.  Jesus’ first words when he was on the cross was, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. 

Forgiveness is stopping the anger and bitterness caused by someone who wronged us. It means letting go of the grudges, pains hurts, and negative feelings in the relationship. This brings healing, restoration, renewal, growth, and peace.  Forgiveness is also allowing someone the chance to grow.

I will tell you a story about a couple who visited a therapist. They constantly quarreled and talked about forgiving each other. The wife said she is mad at her husband because he always talks aloud while sleeping.  The therapist told the wife that if your husband always speaks when sleeping, it is because you don’t allow him to speak when he is awake! 🙂

Forgiveness can be easier if we remind ourselves that God has tremendously blessed us. He forgives us for our sins, and the ultimate prize is salvation, the eternal happiness, and peace. In return, let us forgive those who have hurt us; they don’t owe us that much as we owe God.  Pray for those who have hurt us and allow them to renew their lives.

Forgiveness is realizing that we cannot change the past and refusing to let those we cannot change control us. If we refuse to forgive, that hurt will rule our lives and hold us captive.