Sunday, November 13, 2016

Amoris Laetitita - Par. 105


Love forgives

105.  Once we allow ill will to take root in our hearts, it leads to deep resentment.  The phrase ou logízetai to kakón means that love "takes no account of evil"; "it is not resentful".  The opposite of resentment is forgiveness, which is rooted in a positive attitude that seeks to understand other people's weaknesses and to excuse them.  As Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Lk 23:34).  Yet we keep looking for more and more faults, imagining greater evils, presuming all kinds of bad intentions, and so resentment grows and deepens.  Thus, every mistake or lapse on the part of a spouse can harm the bond of love and the stability of the family.  Something is wrong when we see every problem as equally serious; in this way, we risk being unduly harsh with the failings of others.  The just desire to see our rights respected turns into a thirst for vengeance rather than a reasoned defence of our dignity.


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