Forgiveness is like martyrdom - except that we can forgive as many
times as we’ve been offended.
Like martyrdom, when we forgive, we surrender what is good though
temporary for what is greater and eternal.
Our ultimate sign of forgiveness is Jesus on the cross where he says: “Father,
forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” And we still enjoy the benefit of that act of
forgiveness every time we approach Jesus in the confessional. The combination of Jesus’ suffering and his
forgiving us, gives us insight as to what true forgiveness is and what it feels
like.
Many who want to forgive merely want to forget – but that is
forgiveness without the cross. The
memory of the offense against us is where forgiveness gains its power – because
through forgiveness, charity compels us to not hold this memory against another. Through forgiveness, we take the memory as
our cross – we add it to the cross we are already carrying. And thus forgiveness does not make us feel
better about the injustice against us – rather it increases our suffering.
Forgiveness, then, does not look very attractive – except of
course when we are the one who is being forgiven. But to dish it out seems to be asking too
much of us. But this is exactly what
Christ wants us to do – and we discover that while our suffering increases – so
does our charity – our love – and so we more willingly carry our cross – not because
it is easier, but because love compels us.
While scandal tends to alienate souls from God, charity inspires souls
to seek the gates of heaven. May we
always take every opportunity in which we are unjustly treated as a moment of
dry martyrdom – an opportunity to show love despite the cost.
