[Pearls Episode 136: Bringing the Lord’s Day into the week.]
As we reflect on the Prodigal Son and forgiveness, we consider the connection between gratitude and forgiveness.
We could paraphrase that great philosopher, Ferris Bueller, “It’s gratitude to God that makes it possible for people like us to tolerate a person like yourself.” But we must also recognize sometimes (for me, many times…) we are that “person”.
The point is – forgiveness is intimately tied to gratitude.
When it comes to our neighbor, gratitude and forgiveness are opposite sides of the same coin. They are how we respond to treatment from others; gratitude in response to goodness and forgiveness when wronged.
With God, it’s different. We have nothing to forgive God for. We go to Him seeking forgiveness. And, the more we receive His forgiveness with gratitude, the better able we are to forgive others. It was from that powerful combination of virtue (gratitude and forgiveness) that St. Josephine Bakhita could make this statement:
“If I were to meet the slave traders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a Christian and Religious today.” As startling as those words may be to us, don’t they echo this – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?”
St. Bakhita is demonstrating the growth from forgiveness to something even greater – mercy. Not just forgiving those who have offended us, but desiring the highest and best for them.
How do we arrive at such lofty levels of forgiveness and mercy (and the interior peace that comes with it)?
Practice.
If it’s good to practice daily gratitude (and it is), it’s even better (for our souls and our neighbor’s) to practice daily forgiveness. In fact, there are at least four levels of forgiveness mastery:
- Level 1: forgive them in your heart
- Level 2: offer a small prayer for them
- Level 3: offer a small sacrifice for them, for God to bless them and heal them (as well as to heal your own heart to the extent that you harbor any unhealthy resentment toward them)
- Level 4: thank God for them and the opportunity they’ve given you to grow in virtue (humility, empathy, generosity, mercy…)
God will give us ample opportunity to practice these four levels of forgiveness today and every day.
And, for all we know, other people will be practicing them because of us…
Blessings on your journey with Christ –
Steve and Karen Smith – Interior Life