Rich in Mercy: The Gift of Forgiveness

 - February 28, 2016

 

R is for Repentance and Reconciliation  

During this Jubilee Year of Mercy – and in a special way, during this season of Lent – we are invited to ponder the deeper meaning of such words as “mercy”, “forgiveness”, “repentance” and “reconciliation”.  For example, Pope Francis and Donald Trump have at least one thing in common: they are both sinners. But the similarities end there. Pope Francis knows that he is a sinner, one whom God has looked on with mercy: he asks for our prayers. Mr. Trump, on the other hand, tells us that he is not a bad person, and therefore “doesn’t have to ask for forgiveness.” As Pope Francis rightly pointed out, he seems much more intent on building walls of division than bridges to understanding.  Who do you think is a more credible embodiment of Christian faith and mercy?

There are many in this world who accuse Christians of weakness, suggesting that Jesus’ commandment of non-violence – love of enemy, forgiveness of those who sin against us – implies that Christians are nothing more than passive doormats, without boundaries.  In their insightful book, Don’t Forgive Too Soon: Extending the Two Hands That Heal, Dennis, Sheila, and Matthew Linn shed light on this question: 

“In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus teaches us to extend the two hands of non-violence and forgiveness.  The one hand takes from the oppressor what is not his due.  This hand says to the oppressor, ‘No, you can’t do that anymore.  You cannot humiliate me, or take away my power, or turn me into a poor helpless victim.’ The second hand of forgiveness slowly calms the oppressor.  It invites them to take a moment of reflection.  It invites our oppressor to the awareness that hurting others is ultimately futile and degrades oneself as well as one’s victims.  With the second hand, we cannot always offer friendship, since there are situations in which it would not be safe for us (or for others) to do so.  But we can always offer our choice not to seek revenge, our wish for that person’s higher good. 

The two hands of forgiveness are a way to love those who hurt us and themselves as well.  Used rightly, they free us from passivity in the face of abuse, and they offer oppressors the possibility of freedom from their abusive behaviour.  Because love is the essence of Jesus’ message, the love that forgives through non-violent engagement is at the heart of the Gospel.”  

Want to hear more?  Then make sure you come out next week for our parish mission, ‘RICH IN MERCY: THE GIFT OF FORGIVENESS’ led by Fr. Mike Shaw from Monday through Wednesday evening, March 7-8-9.  Fr. Mike will also preach at all the Masses next weekend.  Please come and invite a friend – or an enemy!