To forgive is Divine

Is there someone you need to forgive in life? Is there someone who needs your encouragement? Maybe you need to feel the gifts of forgiveness and encouragement?

I was particularly inspired while reading James Kieffer's reflection about Saint Barnabas. Barbara’s feast day is June 11th. It seems even the apostles needed to learn powerful lessons of forgiveness.

"Joseph, a Levite, born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (son of encouragement) sold a field he owned, brought the money, and turned it over to the apostles." (Acts 4:36f)... His new name fits what we know of his actions. When Saul (soon to become Paul) came to Jerusalem after his conversion, most of the Christians there wanted nothing to do with him. They had known him as a persecutor and an enemy of the Church. But Barnabas was willing to give him a second chance. He looked him up, spoke with him, and brought him to see the other Christians, vouching for him. Later, Paul and Barnabas went on a missionary journey together, taking Mark with them. Part way, Mark turned back and went home. When Paul and Barnabas were about to set out on another such journey, Barnabas proposed to take Mark along, and Paul was against it, saying that Mark had shown himself undependable. Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance, and so he and Mark went off on one journey, while Paul took Silas and went on another. Apparently Mark responded well to the trust given him by the "son of encouragement," since we find that Paul later speaks of him as a valuable assistant (2 Tim 4:11; see also Col 4:10 and Phil 24). Written by James Kiefer.

My friends, we all need more forgiveness, encouragement, and another chance. If not, our hearts stay locked in division, resentment, anger, and even hatred. Real power is found in listening and forgiveness, not in gotcha games and stubbornness. Even the greatest of apostles learned through the grace of forgiveness and encouragement. God's love never gives up on any of us!

To see more of James Kiefer and other reflections on men and women throughout Christian history please visit:

satucket.com/lectionary/Calendar.htm

Today is God’s Present!