grace illuminated: October 2016

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Forgive as you would be forgiven.

Erev Yom Kippur October 11, 2016 ~ Yom Kippur October 12, 2016

As this time approaches please consider, here's the deal for the holiday,

You can't ask forgiveness of God until you've asked forgiveness of people the day before.

Not so easy right?

THEY were WRONG! I am HURT! I am offended! WHERE is the JUSTICE?!

It flies in the face of our very nature to love those who hate us, to forgive the unforgivable - but it is indeed what we are asked to do.

When I struggle with this, which I do - as by nature I am one unforgiving bitch, I think of Christ on the cross..."Father forgive them they know not what they do".

Talk about a guy who had every right to be pissed off and claim injustice.

When I think "THEY don't deserve forgiveness", I remember neither do we...

more specifically me, I do not deserve forgiveness.

You see, I am a thief - a murderer - a sinner, guilty of many transgressions in both thought and deed.... and I know that my time is coming soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsNsc5znPGw

This man, who we know according to the historical record lived (there is more evidence that testifies to His life than that of Julius Caesar), this man endured unjust suffering -

for you, for me, for all who would call upon His name.

Consider Him.
May you forgive and be forgiven.

Today I say to you, L'shanah Tovah! Happy Rosh Hashanah!

Shanah Tovah Umetukah... a good and sweet year!

"On Rosh Hashanah it is written… On Yom Kippur it is sealed.

May it be written and may it be sealed that you have a new year that brings fulfillment and happiness, peace and prosperity -

all of life’s very best things.

Have a Happy, Healthy New Year!”

As is tradition, in the year to come I offer a prayer for my children;

that they may live upstanding lives dedicated to acts of loving kindness, charity and study:

May God make you like Ephraim and Menasheh.

May God Bless you and guard you.