Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
How often do we hear about the importance of forgiveness in the life of a Christian? My feeling is that it is very common. In fact, when we hear about something repeatedly we can be tempted to dismiss it if we cannot identify how it applies to our lives right now. But it’s great to know I can carry that spiritual tool of forgiveness in my back pocket and pull it out when I need it! This may sound cavalier, but how seriously do I take forgiveness?
In today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is teaching his disciples about forgiveness—“If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” (Lk 17:3-4) Frankly, the thought of this scenario taking place in real life borders on absurdity, but I think Jesus is making a strong statement about the fact that, in the life of a disciple, forgiveness is not a negotiable point. I must admit there have been many days in my own life when I have had to approach God asking for forgiveness more often than seven times! Sometimes the best I have been able to do is cry out to God saying, ‘Please forgive me. I did not know what I was doing!’ Suddenly, Jesus’ words sound less absurd to me. This particular awareness and acceptance of my own weakness is a great gift; it allows me to join the human race. It gives me the opportunity to identify with and understand the weaknesses and failings of others. And it is crucial to my being able to forgive another person.
And what about repentance? What if I have been wronged by someone and they do not repent—what then shall I do?
I am reminded of some of the wrongs suffered by people I have known. There are situations when the hurt and loss, betrayal and damage are nothing less than devastating; a human life can be altered forever. To suggest forgiveness can seem insensitive at best and cruel at worst. It is at such times when I am reminded that forgiveness is not my doing—it is the work and free gift of God. It eventually becomes clear that forgiveness is not about letting the other person “off,” so much as allowing myself to become free. The process of opening myself to forgive another person is nothing less than my participation in the act of redemption performed by Jesus Christ, our Redeemer who asked his Abba to forgive all while hanging on the cross. It requires my sustained effort, the abandonment of my will, and complete trust in God. It requires hard work just like Jesus worked, giving up what I want just as Jesus did on the cross, and believing from my deepest heart that, whatever the concern, it is better off in God’s hands than my own. As the apostles say to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” (Luke 17:5)
If I take my spiritual life seriously, implicit in this stance is my consent to the struggle to remain open to God’s desire for me—no matter the circumstance. God’s desire for an ever deepening relationship of love with each and every member of the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit asks me to remain attentive to my relationships with others and always seek the grace to forgive. Today, I pray that God may reveal to me any area of unforgiveness in my life that needs his tender mercy and the grace to work toward reconciliation.
"Holy Creator God,
You have shown unrelenting mercy to me each and every day of my life.
Your mercy is the greatest demonstration of your love and of your desire for me.
Grant me the grace to live a life of forgiveness—of others and myself
that there be nothing that keeps me away from you.
With the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen."
- Gail Lyman