Forgiveness is not something that comes easy to many. As we listen to the rhetoric on the news and
in the various political ads that are running these days there is little room
for forgiveness. Even among our
acquaintances we hear the words, “I’ll sue” if something does not go the way
one wants something to go. We hear a desire for retribution and
retaliation. We want “justice” and “what
is due to us because we have been wronged.” We may find ourselves wondering if there is a
place for forgiveness in our world.
Frankly, I believe there is.
It seems to me that we waste a lot of time and energy being angry and
bitter. Our emotions seem fragile and
our health may be compromised because we carry the burden and stress of not
forgiving.
There is a great release when forgiveness is offered and
received. Summoning the courage to
approach another and have the tough conversations is an act of faith. Daring to broach the tough issues in life
builds character in us. Extending the
olive branch of peace not knowing how it will be received takes trust…in us and
in the heart of the other, even when the heart is wounded.
Funny thing about forgiving offenses, it may be hard for us
to forgive, but it is equally as difficult for the person seeking forgiveness
to ask for it in the first place.
When we forgive offenses we not only gift the other with the
gift of peace, but we gift ourselves with the gift of freedom as well.
Guest Blogger:
Dr. Cheryl Fournier
Pastoral Associate for Life Long Faith Formation
St. Pius X Catholic Church
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