Sep. 7: Forgiveness is Secret to Long Life

Joe Binder hasn’t let age slow him down a bit. The 102-year-old works as the booth attendant at Mario’s Restaurant in the Bronx, just renewed his driver’s license, and loves to go dancing.

“My secret?” Binder told the New York Post. “I’ve been very nice to people in my life.   I got hurt along the way, but I turn the other cheek and forgive those who have wronged me.”

He has many fond memories, ranging from watching returning World War I soldiers on parade to seeing The Sopranos shoot a scene in a restaurant, after he came in at 4 a.m. to open it for them. Binder is beloved in his community and through it all, he has maintained his habit of giving to others.

“When and if I do [receive a tip], I give it to the homeless or to people who can use it,” he said.

Forgiving others not only frees those we forgive; it frees us from the poison of resentment and anger.

It is I who wipe out, for My own sake, your offenses; your sins I remember no more. (Isaiah 43:25)

Lord, grant me the grace to truly forgive those who have wronged me.