Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent (March 17, 2009)
Forgiveness and compassion. These are two of the feelings Jesus asked us to pick up during our journey a few steps back. They certainly go hand in hand. It’s very hard to forgive unless we feel compassion… and it’s very hard to feel compassion towards someone and don’t forgive them.
What happens, though, when we finally find enough compassion in our heart to forgive someone that has done something to us, and eventually that person goes and does exactly the same thing once again? Do you get twice as angry for having forgiven them in the first place? I certainly do and I call myself all sorts of names from jerk to others not so nice.
What happens when we go to confession, Jesus forgives us and eventually we commit the same sin? Does Jesus get twice as angry towards us? Does He regret having forgiven us in the first place? He does not. He forgives us again and again, “not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:22
He wants us to do the same. If someone sins against us, we need to forgive and forgive and forgive. Have you been able to forgive that person that you encountered on your journey back on step #11? Jesus asked you to reconcile with that person. You don’t remember? Go back and read step #11. Jesus then talked to us about compassion in step #17. Now He wants us to unite these two steps, feel compassion for that person that keeps being bad and keeps getting on our nerves and once and for all, forgive, forgive, and forgive, as many times as it’s necessary.
Talk to Mary. How was she able to forgive those that crucified her Son? First, she had to find compassion in her heart.
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