Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Have you ever experienced being forgiven in a way that transformed you ?
I recall a misunderstanding between myself and a friend that I inadvertently hurt by being late to our planned appointment. I was inconsiderate by keeping my friend waiting, while I delayed and spent time talking with someone else. Though it was an important visitor I was speaking with, I had gotten into a bad habit of running late. When I finally showed up for our planned get-together time, my friend was very angry with me and couldn’t speak to me. Dismayed, I sought advice from others on what I should do. They understood both perspectives and said - You could start by simply saying you’re sorry. It was a simple response, and I realized how difficult it was for me to do. I was rationalizing and making excuses for my behavior, and not simply facing my shortcomings and the feelings of my friend. I had failed my friend, and not considered their needs while I tended to my own. With resolve, I mustered an apology and told my friend I was sorry, and what I could have done better and we were able to work it out. I am grateful that we have remained friends to this day, and this experience of realizing the vulnerability and preciousness of the friendship and not taking my friend’s patience for granted, led me to a deeper understanding. I am grateful that I had to face the pain in this situation, and ponder more deeply the impacts of my behavior. My friend accepted my apology, which relieved me. This and other experiences of forgiveness have deepened my ability to empathize and feel with the other person. The process of forgiving and needing forgiveness is lifelong and a beautiful way that bonds us in God’s love.
Today’s readings invite us to recognize and take responsibility for our shortcomings, and to count on the unfathomable mercy and care of our God to empower our change. We are called to respond with loving care to others who need our forgiveness and compassion, recognizing that God has shown us unconditional love at times when we don’t deserve it. Lent is a season for making amends in our relationships, and to experience God’s loving-kindness and to celebrate reconciliation through the Sacrament and many penitential prayer times in this season. May we all deepen in our ability to receive and offer forgiveness, time and time again, and thus to know God’s transformative love.
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI (Marianist Sisters)