Remember your mercies, O Lord.--Psalm 25:6
Mass readings: Daniel 3:25,34-43 / Matthew 18:21-35
Today's saint wrote a prayer referred to as his ''breastplate'': ''Christ with me . . . Christ within me . . . Christ beside me . . . Christ around me . . . Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.'' In medieval weaponry, the breastplate is the front portion of armor protecting the vital organs, the heart and lungs. St. Patrick ''wore Christ'' as his protection from all evil.
One of the most potent signs of Christ in my life is surely my willingness to forgive. Forgiveness is Christ in action. Forgiveness is the armor which will protect my spiritual life and make me more like the breastplate St. Patrick wore: Christ, the forgiving Savior.
Prayer: Lord, teach me the sanctifying power of forgiveness.