Midweek Thought For Meditation- 4/1/26

Hi Everyone,
Our readings this week point us towards forgiveness.  We can easily become collectors of grievances that will poison our souls and drive love from our hearts.  Forgiveness is not a weakness, but a strength.  It’s an act of courage that frees not only the one who is forgiven, but also the one who forgives.

                                       Forgive, and let go of resentments.

Those who do not abandon mercy will not be abandoned by me.

SHINTO. Oracle of the Kami of Itsukushima

CHRISTIANITY
Forgive your brother and sister from your heart            Matthew 18:35
Peter came to Jesus and asked,” Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister when they sin against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”                        Matthew 18:21-22

ISLAM
If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, a reward is due him from Allah.                   Qur'an 42.40
The best deed of a great person is to forgive and forget.                                           SHIITE. Nahjul Balagha, saying 201

BUDDHISM
Resentment cannot be removed by more resentment; resentment can be removed only by forgetting.                                     
Mahavagga 10
Those who with forgiveness bear up under reproach, abuse and punishment, and who look upon patience as their army, and strength as their force ----those I call Brahmins.                 Dhammapada 399

HINDUISM
Forgive transgressions always; better still, forget them.         Tirukkural 152

Judaism
For whom does God pardon iniquity? For the one who pardons transgression in others.                   Rosh Hashanah 17.A
He who takes vengeance or bears a grudge acts like someone who, having cut one hand while handling a knife, avenges himself by stabbing the other hand.                            Jerusalem Talmud, Nedarium 9.4

CONFUCIANISM
If you expect great things of yourself and demand little of others, you'll keep resentment far away.                                               Analects 15.15

TAOISM
When conflict is reconciled, some hatred remains; How can this be put right?   The wise accept less than is due and do not blame or punish;  For love seeks agreement where justice seeks payment.                                       Tao Te Ching 79

*Musical links to help reinforce the concept and offer encouragement, helping to deepen our understanding of the theme and inviting us to reflect on God's compassion for us, as we are called to extend the same compassion to others.
“You Say” C
“You Pick Me Up”  https://share.google/ieQN61Ax2WIfXrdXm
Owen's pick!
This is one of Owen's favorite artists. His mother was very neglectful, and this track was released when he finally forgave her for what she put him through as a child.
“NF- Mama”  https://youtu.be/DRt3-4moku8

Thank you, Owen