Forgiveness Like Christ
O man, when the world hates you and is faithless toward you, think of your God, how he was struck and spat upon. You should not accuse your neighbor of guilt, but pray to God that he be merciful to you both. – St. Nicholas of Flue
Remember how Jesus, who only loved perfectly and endlessly, who only served and fed, who saved and redeemed, was betrayed and handed over by the very ones he loved.
If anyone had any reason for righteous anger and outrage at the injustice of the crucifixion of Jesus, it would have been Christ himself, and yet he cried out “Forgive them… for they know not what they do…” an act of perfect forgiveness.
No one has been more perfect, no one has been more betrayed, and no one has forgiven, TRULY forgiven more.
Remember we too, who are called to carry our cross and follow him, must recognize that we will also be betrayed. The world will reject us. Condemn us. And for some, crucify us.
So who are we to be disturbed by the rejection of the world? Distraught over the betrayal we may experience? Do we recognize that while Jesus was the spotless lamb, we are unworthy sacrifices?
Find peace in these facts… because despite our unworthiness we are too forgiven. And in that immense grace, we too can forgive.
Find the written reflection, and quote used for today’s show on @DoThe_HarderThing Instagram.
Disclaimer: Not all views expressed in this show by the host or any of the guests, past or future, represent Catholic Spiritual Direction or anyone associated with Catholic Spiritual Direction.
The purpose of the show is to facilitate an engaging and thoughtful conversation with the desire and goal of deepening all aspects and understanding of the Catholic Faith. This requires asking hard questions, engaging in conversations that may be uncomfortable, intellectual honesty, and above all, full allegiance and surrender to Christ and His Church. Thank you for listening.
