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The second day of the Novena: A forgiving heart.
3:21
Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 23: 34-38
Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’
4:29
After all Jesus has been through: the hatred of the Jewish leaders, the weakness of Pilate, the fickleness of the crowd, the cruelty of the soldiers, he pleads with his Father to forgive them. This is surely 'the breadth and the length, the height and depth' of love. We can only sit or kneel in silence letting gratitude well up from within.
Lord Jesus, I am too small, too weak to grasp your love. I am overwhelmed by your love that transformed evil by goodness. A goodness strong enough to defeat the spiral of violence. Help us, Lord, weak as we are, to unite our efforts to yours, so that so much that is good and joyful in life is not lost.
7:13
Lord Jesus Christ, your heart was moved with love for the men and women who came for help in their need. You healed the sick, you fed the hungry, you forgave sinners, you cried over Jerusalem. Above all, you showed to those who were prepared to listen the way to true life, for you are the Way the Truth and the Life.
Lord, your heart is still moved today by your people and their many needs. Open our hearts to hear your word, to accept your love, and to respond to your call. In particular, I beg you to grant me the favour I ask during this novena (make you request silently), provided that it will contribute to my own eternal good and to the building up of your Kingdom of justice, peace and love here on earth.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
Amen.