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Forgiveness is a non-negotiable guideline for us as disciples to emulate. Since faith in Jesus and his teachings are the basis for our Church teachings and daily spirituality, we have to model our lives in such a way that distinctly reflects Jesus. Our Baptism calls us to be Christ-like…and forgiving. Jesus revealed a forgiving and compassionate God, the life of our Catholic community must do the same. If we are to witness to Jesus resurrected and living in our midst, forgiveness must be the hallmark of our daily life.
I think that one of the great illusions and heresies of our day is rugged individualism: the assumption that we exist dependently of one another, and even of God. Forgiveness means we are all interrelated and intertwined. If the essence of God is mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, who are we to change this divine formula?
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Jesus is here. Jesus is in this sacred moment. In our midst. This is Jesus’ new relational covenant. Jesus walks with us, stands by and with us. However, the context of this refreshing text is the overall umbrella of Matthew 18. Jesus is in our midst especially when we are forgiving. He is in our midst when we work together to right wrongs.
Is Jesus just talking about individual offenses and sins? Suppose a race is sinned against, what are we to do? Suppose the poor are being ignored, or deprived of their needs and rights? Suppose a group in our community is treated as second class members just because they are new arrivals? Suppose women’s voices are ignored? Or the elderly patronized? Suppose the lives and issues of young people are never acknowledged? If Jesus is in our midst, we have to be pro-actively sensitive to the larger “social midst” of history, community, Church and nation that we are all connected with.
Bottom line? The merciful and forgiving Jesus does not want us to make any wounds larger. We are all called to be surgeons of reconciliation and ministers of healing in the in the field hospital of Church and Catholic life.
Some might dismissingly scoff, “Padre, isn’t this the usual theological Kool-Aid that you expect us to drink, especially from the isolated castle of your protected, pious world?” I work on forgiveness daily. No one is exempt. Nor is forgiveness for the faint of heart.
Starting with the gifts of the Trinity, God always first, we petition for the grace to forgive again, again, and again. If you are not quite ready, then pray for the grace to have the desire to forgive again, again, and again. Once is never enough. Forgiveness originates in God. Jesus has forgiven us. We are called to do likewise. Why? Forgiveness is the sure and proven pathway to God.
“Our Father, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others.”
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