Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Parishioner Reflections on the Jubilee

...Teach me to be a model of forgiveness.

I agree with those who say that forgiveness is more a gift to ourselves than to the one we forgive. It’s important to realize that forgiveness does not mean forgetting or denying some real offense but, rather, moving past that offense and not letting it poison all future dealings with people and groups that have caused pain.

I can remember holding on to the pain caused by a relationship that ended badly a number of years ago when I was in college. Even though I told myself I had forgiven this person for hurting me, and, in fact, had not seen her in years, thinking about her still made me angry. Somehow, it seemed easier to hold on to familiar pain than to acknowledge the past, turn the matter over to God, and move on. I think by dwelling on my anger at this person, rather than letting go of it, I felt more in control of my emotions. However, as my favorite author, Annie Dillard, wrote "we are most truly asleep at the switch when we fancy that we control any switches at all." I agree. As I eventually learned, forgiveness is an ongoing process of leaving the past with God , and asking Him for the strength to focus on the positive in the future. One only needs to glance at the newspaper or look at the history of the Catholic Church, to see dozens of opportunities for forgiveness among nations and racial groups and religions all around us.

Prayer:
Jesus, You spent your last moments on the cross concerned about those around you, and focusing on the promise of the future, rather than condemning those who made You suffer. Teach me to be a model of forgiveness to those I live and work with. Help me to leave past hurts in your hands, and grant me the freedom and joy which true forgiveness brings.

Larry Prikockis

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