Word Alive
By FR. BEL R. SAN LUIS, SVD
September 9, 2011, 11:12pm
The king in the Jesus’ parable of this 24th
Sunday represents God who wishes to write off our debt of sin
completely. But there is a catch or condition. That is, if we want God’s
forgiveness, then we must forgive the injuries done to us.
This point was so important in the mind of Jesus that when He
taught us to pray He made it explicit: “Forgive us our sins as we
forgive those who sin against us” – words we pray over and over in the
Mass, but do we really mean them?
* * *
Obviously, it’s not easy to forgive. It goes against our human
nature. In a love letter to end all love letters, a young woman wrote:
“Dear Marietta... Words cannot express my deep regret at having broken
our relationship. Will you please come back to me? Your absence leaves a
void which no one else can fill. Please let’s start all over again.
Signed: Your ever loving and forgiving Johnny.”
A postscript (P.S.) follows: “Congratulations! I heard you won P20 million in the lotto.”
It’s not too difficult to discern the real motive behind the
sugar-coated words of “forgiving” Johnny. But it could be the start of
reconciliation.
* * *
One indispensable attitude towards genuine forgiveness is the power
of relinquishment: The ability to let go and say, “I am willing to
forgive, therefore, I am willing to let go and forget.” The problem is
that many of us say we forgive, but we continue to carry the bitterness
and resentment inside of us. Thus we hear such remarks like, “I forgive
him, but let him watch out. Don’t ever let him show his face to me.”
* * *
Psychologists and social scientists, based on many years of
observation, say that harboring grudges and resentments literally help
to make people sick physically. And forgiveness – getting rid of the
ill-will – will do more to make them well than pills and medicines.
There is a common objection to the spirit of forgiveness which
goes: If you are always forgiving, the culprit will abuse your kindness.
In response, to forgive does not mean that we let criminals go free or
that we leave society at their mercy.
Christian forgiveness lets
justice takes its course.
* * *
The example of Pope John Paul II after the assassination attempt on
his life is a clear example. Although the gunman had been forgiven, he
was languishing in jail until he finished his prison term.
Moreover, forgiveness does not mean we keep silent when a spouse
is unfaithful or a child misbehaves. For the sake of the relationship,
we may have to tell the parties concerned that a certain conduct is not
right and is hurting us.
* * *
Do you find it hard to forgive? Think of a person whom you’ve hurt or
has hurt you and seeks to be reconciled. One important thing to
remember, too: If someone extends a hand of reconciliation, don’t turn
it down. Sometimes it’s harder to accept forgiveness than to ask for
one.
Remember the Lord’s warning: “If you do not forgive your brother,
your Heavenly Father will not forgive you either.” (Matthew 6:15).
For Mass intentions for the sick, the dead, thanksgiving, call Brian at
Christ the King Seminary (cf. tel. directory) or e-mail: familytv.mass@yahoo.com.
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