Greatness of soul is also shown in the disposition to forgive the much and the little, of those close to our life and those far away. It is not proper for a Christian to go through the world with a list of grievances in his heart, with grudges and memories that dwarf the spirit and incapacitate it for the human and divine ideals to which the Lord calls us. In the same way that God is always ready to forgive everything from everyone, our capacity to forgive can have no limits; neither in the number of times, nor by the magnitude of the offense, nor by the persons from whom the alleged offense comes: "nothing makes us so similar to God as to be always ready to forgive". On the Cross, Jesus fulfilled what he had taught: Father, forgive them, he prayed. And immediately the apology: because they know not what they do. These are words that show the greatness of soul of his Most Holy Humanity. And in the Gospel of today's Mass we read: Love your enemies... pray for those who slander you. This greatness of soul Jesus always asked of his own. The first martyr, St. Stephen, died asking forgiveness for those who killed him. Are we not going to know how to forgive the little things of every day? And if defamation and slander ever come our way, will we not know how to take advantage of the occasion to offer something of greater value? Better still if we do not even have to forgive because, imitating the saints, we do not feel offended.
In the face of what is worthwhile (noble ideals, apostolic tasks and, above all, God) the great soul gives of its own without reserve: money, effort, time. He knows and understands well the words of the Lord: the more he gives, the more he will receive; the Lord will put into his lap a good measure, pressed down, filled, overflowing: for with the same measure you measure, you will be measured. We must ask ourselves if we give generously of our own; even more, if we give ourselves, that is, if we follow with a quick and strong step the path, the concrete vocation that the Lord asks of each one of us.
On the other hand, to propose great things for the good of men, or to remedy the needs of many people, or to give glory to God, can sometimes lead to the expenditure of large sums of money and to put material goods at the service of these great works. And the magnanimous person knows how to do this without being frightened; valuing with the virtue of prudence all the circumstances, but without having a shrinking spirit. The great cathedrals are an example of times when there were far fewer human and economic means than today, but when faith was perhaps more alive. From the earliest times, the Church took special care that "sacred objects should serve the splendor of worship with dignity and beauty". And good Christians have often given up what they considered of greater value, to honor the Blessed Virgin or for worship..., and have been generous in their contributions and alms for the things of God and to relieve their neediest brothers and sisters, promoting works of education, culture, material and health care.
And in a society that does not curb its superfluous and unnecessary expenses, we often see how many works of the apostolate and those who have dedicated their entire lives to them are not infrequently subjected to deprivation and continual rethinking of these works for lack of means. The greatness of soul that the Lord asks of his own will lead us not only to be very generous with our time and our financial means, but also to make others - according to their availability - feel moved to cooperate for the good of their fellow men. Generosity always brings us closer to God; therefore, on countless occasions, this will be the best good we can do for our friends: to encourage their generosity. This virtue widens the heart and makes it younger, with a greater capacity to love.