March/April 2008

In this season of Lent, we hear a lot about forgiveness, but do we really know what that is.   Most of us bring preconceived notions to this concept…things we have heard, things we have been taught, things misrepresented on television. 

Most of our thinking includes portions of forgetting, reconciliation and making as if it never happened.  HOWEVER, in the Webster’s Dictionary forgiveness is: CEASE TO DEMAND PENALTY FOR.  In forgiving I lay down my right to retribution/punish.  I trust Jesus to handle it.  That is it.

That does not mean it feels as if it never happened.  That does not mean things are back to “normal.”   Reconciliation may or may not occur.

Sometimes we hold onto hatred, because it feels comfortable.  Or maybe we feel in control.  That is holding onto the right to punish. We are responsible to want to forgive and ask God to help, but not responsible for outcome.

Understand this is not something we “work up.”  We cannot muster up “forgiveness,” it is a work of God in our life.  It is “our work” to be receptive to His work. Proud people don’t trust God’s judge, Jesus, to handle justice. 

Then there are those who feel they are not up to the task of forgiveness.  If we, as believers, are in the body of Christ…in His body… then we live in the body that experienced the resurrection power that raise Christ from the dead.  If that power could raise Christ to life, then it surely can transform my stubborn will to forgive, IF I realize where I live and am receptive to the life giving/forgiving power.              

                                    “Father, forgive them,…”  Luke 23:34a

                                                                           Submitted by a loving Emmaus Sister