This meditation is the third part of a three-part mediation blog series. You may wish to have a journal handy to write down any thoughts or feelings that arise as you go through this meditation.
The Canticle of Mary (Luke 1:46–55) is a beautiful expression of God’s love through Mary’s words as she is filled with the Holy Spirit during her visit with her cousin Elizabeth. Using verses of the Canticle, the following meditation focuses on forgiveness and asks God to become a part of the process. You can read the full Canticle of Mary here.
This three-part meditation blog series starts with realizing our dependence upon God to be able to forgive others (Part I). It then leads us into asking Jesus to help us forgive someone we are having difficulty forgiving (Part II). The final part ends with a meditation to give us a glimpse into what our relationship may feel like once it is healed by the mercy of God (Part III).
Let Us Enter Into Silence
Settle yourself in solitude, and you will come upon God in yourself.
-St. Teresa of Avila
Find a quiet place away from distractions. Close your eyes and become aware of Jesus, who is present with you always. No words are necessary, only your awareness of His presence with you. See Him looking upon you with love. Feel Him showering down His peace upon you.
Part III: A Glimpse of Our Healed Relationship
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Luke 1:46)
Jesus wishes to heal your relationship with the person you are finding it difficult to forgive. The following reflection is meant to be a glimpse of what your experience of this relationship may be like once Jesus heals it.
[Please note: If you have difficulty with this next portion of the meditation, bring your thoughts and feelings to Jesus. Even though you may not be able to imagine your relationship with this person achieving this state of harmony today—or ever in this life—by the mercy of God, it will reach this state in heaven. Know the mercy and healing of our God is limitless.]
Reflection
When you feel ready, take this person by the hand and lead them to Jesus. (If you are having difficulty taking this step, ask Jesus to come forward and help you with this.)
As you stand before Jesus, kneel down and look up at Him. Now turn to your side, and see the other person kneeling down and looking up at Jesus as well.
Turn back to Jesus and see how He looks upon you with love. Feel yourself being immersed in His peace.
Now, turn and see how Jesus looks upon this other person with the same love He has for you — and miraculously, how at the same time He is looking at this person, He is still pouring His love into you!
Recall the Canticle of Mary and the joy in her heart when she exclaims, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Luke 1:46)
Ask Mary to fill your heart and this person’s heart with the same joy she has in hers. Imagine both of you exclaiming together with Mary’s joy in your heart, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Luke 1:46) (Repeat this part as much as you need to until you feel her joy fill your heart.)
Feel Jesus continue to shower His mercy and peace upon both of you.
Allow Him to speak to your heart now what He wishes you to leave this time of reflection with.
Feel free to write down anything you are experiencing in your journal.
Closing Prayer
Jesus,
I surrender my wounded heart and wounded relationships to You.
I ask for the grace to grow in humility and realize how I am completely dependent upon You.
You alone know my heart, its woundedness and sinfulness. I trust in Your Divine Mercy and Your eternal love for me.
Purify my heart and leave no crevice untouched by the healing flames of Your Most Sacred Heart so I can experience the joy of completely depending on You and surrendering my entire self into Your Heart. Amen.
Click here for Part I and Part II of this blog series. Sign up here to get notified of more of these meditations, prayers and reflections.