On the Sunday after the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, Fr. Matthew Howell uses the gospel reading (Mark 8:34-9:1) to talk about the two hardest parts of carrying one's cross: 1) Walking the path of repentance in all humility and honesty; 2) Forgiving someone who has hurt you even though they are not asking for forgiveness, trying to make amends, or even acknowledging their offense. He talks the Christ's forgiveness of His enemies while hanging on the cross, and speaks frankly about the sudden retirement of Metropolitan Joseph. He finishes his homily by reading the two prayers below about forgiveness.
A Prayer by St. John Damascene (from Orthodox Christian Prayers, St. Tikhon Monastery Press published 2021, p. 156)
"Grant mercy, O Lord, to them that hate me, or oppose me, or wrong me, or slander me, so that none of them may suffer any evil in any way -- whether in this present age or in the age to come -- on account of me, an unclean sinner. Cleanse them instead by thy mercy and protect them, O Good One, by thy grace."
"As we forgive those who trespass against us" by Mother Alexandra (from Our Father: Meditations on the Lord's Prayer, The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration published 2017, p. X).
"As I forgive, I ask to be forgiven! As I forgive N. (think of the person you most dislike), how little mercy I deserve, for how little am I able to myself to forgive! Were I to be judged as I judge others, what hope do I have?
O Lord, move my heart to love and forgiveness. Teach me true compassion, with kindliness to look upon my neighbors' faults. Still within me the aggravations of this day and my unjust criticisms, let me see myself as I truly am, help me to judge my own reactions rather than dwell upon those of others. Help me to banish from my heart and memory all resentments, anger and annoyance. Even there where my dislike is justified, temper my feelings with charity and contrition for my own share in the world's sin. May I this night and at all times forgive seventy times seven and be worthy of Thee and not have to fear Thy judgment, for Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Amen."
