Daily HOMILY for March 1, 2015: Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent

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Tuesday 3^rd Week Lent

The Institute

March 1, 2016

AN EXERCISE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  I came across an exercise that I found in dealing w/ angry, resentful & hostile feelings

Ø  You write down on a piece of paper the wrong, offense or hurt you’re holding against another

Ø  Then roll the paper into a ball & put it into the palm of your hand. Then make a fist

Ø  Clench your fist as tight as you can

Ø  Don’t let up the pressure; keep it tight

Ø  And see how long you can hold onto this piece of paper in that way

Ø  In fact, carry it w/ U like that throughout day

EFFECTS ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  PAIN: As U could imagine, after a while, your fingers ache & your hand will get stiff & may even numb

Ø  ATTENTION: Very soon, all of your attention goes on maintaining this

Ø  We will be distracted from other things we are doing

Ø  MOVEMENT: Additionally, we will be unable to reach out to shake someone’s hand or to touch something

APPLICATION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Well, this is a good image for showing what often happens in our lives

Ø  It’s what we allow R hearts & spirits 2 experience when we let resentment fester, or allow anger or hostility to get the best of us

Ø  It (1) Consumes us w/ pain, (2) Holds our attention captive and (3) Can incapacitate us

Ø  Forgiveness, the topic of this Gospel, isn’t easy, but it is nevertheless very heart of Js’ message

Ø  It’s the foundation of the bridges we are to build and not destroy

Ø  It is the equipment for taking down walls and not building them

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  In conclusion, all of this is true not only on an interpersonal level…

Ø  But among nations and people of different cultures

Ø  It seems especially relevant for us at this time for a number of reasons

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