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September 15, 2023“Everybody needs to forgive somebody.”
You may see a half-dozen or more unknown priests walking around the parish this coming week. These priests are part of the 10-year seminary re-union of the Mount St. Mary’s Seminary class of 2013. This seminary, located in Emmitsburg, Md is the seminary where I studied for six years before being ordained a priest, and also where I returned to work for six years as Vice Rector from 2005-2012. These priests were seminarians at the Mount while I was there. Historically, 30-40 different dioceses send men to Mount St. Mary’s, so these priests will be from all over the U.S. When you see them (though they will likely be dressed Tybee casual), please welcome them to St. Michael’s.
“Everybody needs to forgive somebody.” This is the name of an excellent book by Dr. Allen Hunt, who works for the organization “Dynamic Catholic.” Every person in this church has been hurt by another person or persons. Most of us have been hurt many times. We have all experienced betrayal and cruelty at the hands of others.
Nothing makes a person more Christ-like than forgiving someone who hurt you, from your heart! “Father, there is no way I can ever forgive that person for what he did to me or to my family.” I reply, “Of course not. God has to give you the grace. But he can’t give you the grace unless you ask for it. You must will to forgive the other, in gratitude for all that God has forgiven you.”
Is there anyone in your life whom you have not forgiven?
I like to say, “There are two ways to control God. First, become a priest! When a priest says, “This is my body,” Jesus always comes. The second: Don’t forgive someone who hurt you. You bind the hands of God. The measure with which you measure will be measured back to you.
Everybody needs to forgive somebody. I am praying that everybody will choose to do so.
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
