[Pearls Episode 139: Bringing Sunday into the week.]
We’ve been looking at the plea to “increase our faith” from yesterday’s Gospel reading – and how Jesus (in the Parable of the Sower) shows us one way to do our part by taking a look at where the composition of the soil of our heart might be:
– a hardened path (unwillingness to accept God’s truth)
– stony ground (lack of trust in God amidst trials and anxieties)
– choked with weeds (allurements of the world)
Steve got to dig up some rocky soil this weekend with car troubles. It’s easy to trust in God when the going is good – harder when the car won’t start at 10pm, far from home, and no hotel rooms. In the grand scheme, not such a big deal – but still a source of some wailing and gnashing of teeth. All worked out for the best in the end (with a hat tip to the awesome Vogel family for coming to the rescue), and hopefully a little stony ground was replaced with better soil.
It’s worth noting that what prompted the disciples to ask, “Lord, increase our faith” was Jesus’ teaching that culminated with this – “if your brother wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
The disciples were prepared to accept some tough teachings from Jesus, but in modern parlance this degree of forgiveness was a bridge too far. They would agree with C.S. Lewis, “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.”
Certainly, Jesus knew full well that His command to forgive without limit would test His disciples.
And so it is a test for us. Forgiveness is a sort of school of faith. It’s virtually impossible to forgive someone who has betrayed us, and to genuinely release the bitterness and rancor we hold for them – in fact, it is impossible without the grace of faith. It is virtually impossible to forgive ourselves of past mistakes when we must live with the result of present negative consequences – in fact, it is impossible without the grace of faith. It is virtually impossible to be genuinely repentant for our sins and accept God’s forgiveness with the intent of changing our ways – in fact, it is impossible without the grace of faith.
St. Teresa of Avila says, “I cannot believe that a soul which has arrived so near to Mercy itself, where she knows what she is, and how many sins God has forgiven her, should not instantly and willingly forgive others, and be pacified and wish well to everyone who has injured her, because she remembers the kindness and favors our Lord has shown her, whereby she has seen proofs of exceeding great love, and she is glad to have an opportunity offered to show some gratitude to her Lord.”
St. Teresa is picking up on Jesus’ connection of forgiveness and faith. True forgiveness is accomplished through faith. And the fruits of forgiveness increase our faith.
One could say forgiveness and faith grow together.
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith
Interior Life