11.“But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offenses” (Mt 6:15).
On this Sunday, August 24, 2014, as we prepare to gather at 2:00 pm to celebrate a Memorial Mass at our parish of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary for Jim Foley, who was murdered by terrorists in Syria on Tuesday, August 19th, Our Father is very present with the Foleys and with our whole parish and city. Last night we prayed together with a group of Muslims who had organized a vigil on the Rochester Commons in tribute to Jim Foley for his work and witness in Syria. We prayed together as one people under one God Who is Father of us all.
Dear Heavenly Father, in the Name of Jesus, Your Beloved Son, Whom You sacrificed for us, please give us all, especially the Foleys, the grace to forgive this grave offense and all the other multitudes of lesser offenses which we have experienced in our lifetimes. Place us deeply in the Sacred Heart of Your Son, Jesus and in the Immaculate Heart of our Mother Mary where there is only Love and Mercy. And let us be the Light that you came to bring to the world, so that every person may know that Love is more powerful than hatred and Love is eternal. Amen.
