WITHOUT FORGIVENESS, PEACE IS IMPOSSIBLE

Dear parishioners,

How would you treat someone who once hurt you, even when they profess that they have repented? I imagine many of us would be suspicious of their intent. Some of us might not even allow them room to come close. Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians preceded him. The believers in Jerusalem and the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) doubted the credibility of his claim to have repented and even tried to kill him. I cannot begin to imagine the fear that gripped the believers upon seeing the now ‘pretentious brother Saul’ and the depth of their hatred for this 'impostor.' Were there any redeeming qualities in this alleged repentant brother? These are some questions for you to ponder.

How would you treat someone who once hurt you even when they tell you they were sorry and have truly repented? Would you try to kill them? Perhaps, not literally. But would you receive them with open arms as Barnabas did Paul in our First reading this weekend? Jesus receives us every time we truly repent, not counting our past misdeeds. This is the Christian attitude to people who have wronged us. It is rooted in love, which should not be expressed only in words but in deed and in truth. Can you imagine for a moment what would have become of the Jesus movement had the disciples not forgiven Saul? Would Christianity have spread beyond the Jewish world had Paul not taken the Good News to the Gentiles and beyond the geographical boundaries of the then known Jewish territories? Can you look around the world and see the fruits of unforgiveness among peoples and nations?

One of the hallmarks of a Christian community is the flourishing of forgiveness and mutual love. Will there be misunderstandings and conflict? Absolutely! Christian communities are made up of human beings, and not angels. Even if they were angels, remember there was a war in heaven between the good angels and the self-conceited and power-hungry ones. This war resulted in the expulsion of the angel called “Lucifer” and his hosts from heaven (Revelations 12:7-10). Forgiveness does not mean a denial of the wrong done; it simply means a humanizing of the offender while denouncing the offense. It is to see the brother or sister in the person rather than identifying them with the wrong they have done. Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do…” Forgiveness saves the person from the throes of whatever evil that has held them captive. It restores their personhood and their dignity as children of God. It also allows us to live in freedom, rather than in fear.

Perfect love and perfect forgiveness casts out fear and restores peace. Have you been hurt? Is it difficult to let go of the hurt? Do you think forgiveness is not possible? Give it a try. Release the person of the hurt they caused you, and let God do the rest.

On a separate note, I am happy to announce to you that the parish has purchased the property next door, on Eugene Street. Although the building is in disrepair and has been marked for demolition, we are glad that we were able to acquire this property, which might be needed for possible future expansion/development.

May Jesus bless you, and may Our Lady protect you!

Fr. Julius