Forgiveness

7^th Sunday Ordinary Time – Cycle A

Leviticus 19: 1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3: 16-23; 

Matthew 5: 38-48

  

The new Roman Missal goes into effect on the first Sunday of Advent this year. As a deacon, I am encouraged to sing the opening dialogue and conclusion of the gospel. This is very much out of my comfort zone. But it's something I'm going to have to get comfortable with.

Today's readings are challenging to all who claim to follow Jesus Christ. They are not easy and call for each of us to leave our comfort zone far behind. To use a familiar image, Jesus calls each of us to step out of the boat and walk on the water with him. Impossible? You might just think so after hearing today's scripture passages: “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge … Offer no resistance to the one who is evil … turn the other cheek … love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Some hear these words and claim that the Lord was setting an impossibly high standard. Only God could to this!

Perhaps they are correct. But Leviticus holds each of us to that same high standard - “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” As I read that line, I began to wonder what God's holiness looks like. Today's psalm puts it this way: “The Lord is kind and merciful. He pardons all your iniquities, and comforts your sorrows. He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.” This description of God is comforting. Each of us is called to be just as holy, just as compassionate, just as forgiving.

At every mass we stand together and recite the Lord's Prayer. Pay close attention to the words: “forgive us our trespasses AS WE forgive those who trespass against us.” We are praying that God use the same standards of judgment and forgiveness on us that we use on one another. I don't know about you, but this statement makes me uneasy. It's one thing to say “love your enemies” - it's a huge step to put this into practice however. I know it can be difficult but I've seen it done – and you have too.

Several years ago, a gunman walked into a one-room schoolhouse and opened fire on a group of Amish children. He killed five girls, wounded five others, and then killed himself. This was a tragic story, and needless to say, it made the news. As we sat in our living rooms watching the story, we recalled many other times a senseless tragedy had occurred – from Standard Gravure, to Columbine, to Virginia Tech. We've become somewhat numbed by the frequency of such events.

But there was something different about this story, something that awakened our senses, something that made this story continue to be on the news. The aftermath of this tragedy played out over the next several days as we witnessed a community's response to their tragedy. We saw them show forgiveness – not just by refraining from revenge, but by reaching out to the gunman's family and praying with them; by attending the gunman's funeral one day after burying their own children; and by taking up a collection to support the gunman's family.

Those of us watching from our living rooms as these acts of kindness and forgiveness unfolded had various reactions. Some thought it was commendable, but unrealistic. Many were awed by the Amish – amazed at seeing Jesus' gospel message come alive right before their eyes. Others sat and watched silently, tearfully as they wondered if they had the strength, the conviction to do the same. For some, that nagging thought remained in the back of their heads as they questioned if they could do as Jesus commands?

God knows how difficult it can be for us to forgive. He sent his Son, Jesus to earth, to become flesh, to live among us, to do what we do, and feel what we feel. Jesus Christ, fully human, experienced doubt, felt temptation and suffered pain. This command to love our enemies is difficult – but He asks us to do it anyway.

Today I look back on the events of five years ago and that question – could I do the same? - still tugs at my soul. Does it tug at yours?

Deacon Darryl J. Diemer

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 20, 2011