The last thing he said before he died was "Lord, don't hold this sin against them." Can you imagine loving your murderers so much that you beg the judge for mercy while they are in the act of committing the murder? Wow!
Every morning I say the acts of faith hope and charity. The act of charity says, "O my Jesus, I love you with all my mind, heart, and strength and my neighbor as myself for love of you. I forgive all those who have sinned against me and ask pardon of all those whom I have sinned against through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Ah...how I wish I could be sure I really have forgiven those who have sinned against me since my own salvation depends on it. ("Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us....") But I know how often past hurts come to mind and stir up anger in my heart once again. Part of that is the natural result of being a choleric/melancholic temperament. But, oh, how I wish I would see others through the eyes of Jesus and Mary and desire nothing more than their salvation no matter how much they may have hurt me.
Solomon asked for an understanding heart. Perhaps if I pray every day for an understanding heart it will change the way I see all those who touch my life whether with kindness or with cruelty. Lord Jesus, make me more like St. Stephen through Christ our Lord.
My pray, may I Lord love all those that you surround me with , even my enemies. It's hard , it is difficult, it is down right gyt wrenching at times ...but only by the grace of God can we do anything . St. Stephen pray for us .
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