Two significant events are fast approaching in my life. Firstly, I’m hoping to be received into the Catholic Church, and to make my first communion. Secondly, I’ll be having a mastectomy for breast cancer in about a month.
As I prepare for both these occasions, I’ve realised that I have only a limited amount of time to resolve various relationship issues that have been weighing on me for several years. I’ll face the surgery far more confidently if I have the peace of mind that comes from knowing I’ve done my best to put things right with those who hold anything against me, in accordance with Jesus’ teaching. Similarly, forgiving those who have hurt me has become an even more urgent task than usual.
So I’ve started contacting people who might be holding a grudge against me. Yesterday, to my delight, someone I thought wasn’t speaking to me responded generously, which was a huge relief. I’ve also written to a religious group I left after getting badly hurt, to see if anyone there still harbours negative feelings towards me. If anyone contacts me in return, I will do whatever I can to repair our relationship. All these issues are reflected in today’s prayer:
Lord,
You’re bringing healing
From these tumours
As I prepare
To face my surgery
By telling those I’ve hurt
That I am sorry,
And forgiving everyone
Who has hurt me.
In this way, I will face
My operation
With peace of body, mind,
And even soul,
And this will be
My miracle of healing,
As you, Lord, touch my heart,
And make me whole.
References
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28; NRSV).
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-4; NIV).
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us (Luke 11:4; NLT).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7; NIV).
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound (Isaiah 61:1; NKJV).