I’m annoyed.

A friend has said something to me
that I consider to be
quite offensive.
I want to forgive
the person involved
but, although I try my best,
I still feel resentment.

I pray for the grace to forgive.

Our Folk Group goes
to the Holy Family church
to listen to the Notre Dame Folk Choir.

As the choir sings the Our Father.
I have a sense
that My God is showing me
a view from a mountain top.
The mountains are not
the low, heather-clad hills
of Ireland.
These mountains are on a different scale
altogether.

This is a mountain range,
a series of pointed, snowy peaks
that reach high above the clouds.

And as I gaze in wonder
at the expanse below me
I sense My God say,
“Claire,
this is how much I am willing
to forgive you.”

In that instant I realise
how insignificant and how petty
my grievance is.
My feeling of resentment evaporates
and I now feel at peace.

Thank you, Lord,
for your gift of music
which, through the Notre Dame Folk Choir,
has given me an insight
into the immensity
of your forgiveness.

© Claire Murray, 23rd May 2016