the gospel of forgiveness
“I have no one with me but Luke.” —2 Timothy 4:11
St. Luke’s Gospel could also be known as the Gospel of Forgiveness. Only in Luke’s Gospel do we meet the penitent woman whose many sins were forgiven because of her great love (Lk 7:47). In contrast with Sts. James and John, who wanted to destroy a Samaritan town by fire (Lk 9:54), Luke shows Jesus exalting the virtues of the “good Samaritan” (see Lk 10:33). Jesus also exalted another unforgiven group when He ate with the hated tax collector Zacchaeus and granted him salvation (Lk 19:5ff).
Only in Luke’s Gospel do we also meet the prodigal son, his forgiving father, and unforgiving older brother (Lk 15:11ff). This parable is probably the greatest revelation of God’s way of forgiving. God forgives affectionately, graciously, and mercifully. He honors sinners by giving them exceptional gifts and a special celebration.
Only in Luke’s Gospel do we meet the “good thief.” While suffering on the cross, Jesus said: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). Then Jesus forgave the “good thief” and promised him paradise that very day (see Lk 23:43).
Today, read part of the Gospel of Luke and forgive all who have hurt you in any way.
Prayer: Father, help me to choose to forgive all as You forgive — immediately and completely (Col 3:13).
Promise: “On entering any house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ ” —Lk 10:5
Praise: St. Luke found mercy in Jesus, his Savior, and shared it with the world. He proclaimed that the mercy and love of Jesus extends to all.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Forgiveness, listen to, download or order our CD 106A-1, CD 106A-3, CD 106B-1 and CD 106 B-3 or our DVD 106A and DVD 106B on our website.)
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