Homily: First Friday of Lent
First Friday of Lent (Mt. 5:20-26) “The Hard Work of Forgiveness”
Doesn’t it seem like Jesus said a lot about forgiveness. I have talked to a lot of people through the years who have felt very guilty because they could not mend a quarrel. I have felt the same way. Sometimes that does not seem possible.
Why is that the case? Usually, it is because the person we are at odds with is has been abusive towards us. Maybe the have an addiction they do not want to deal with. Then again, they might have a psychological illness that causes them to be acerbic or argumentative. Jesus does not expect us to take abusive treatment indefinitely. At times we must distance ourselves from those who tie us into emotional knots.
Does that mean that we hold a grudge? Does it mean that it is all right to be bitter? Can we lash back at those who insult us? No, we must somehow let go of these negative emotions. Somehow, we must respond in a kind way or distance ourselves if needed to maintain our own mental health.
We should always keep in mind that is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. To experience true reconciliation, we need to have an effort from both parties to mend an argument. The other person must make amends and they must change their behavior. And we might be required to do the same.
Forgiveness is different. Forgiveness can be a one-sided affair. If someone has died who has wounded us deeply, for example, true reconciliation is impossible, but forgiving them can be very helpful to us. We can do something like talking to them in prayer. We might make a symbol of forgiveness. We could also write a letter to them outlining how we have been hurt and expressing our feelings.
Jesus mentions forgiveness a lot because it is such an important aspect of our spiritual lives and is a key to inner peace.
- Who is a person that I would like to reconcile with, but who I have not been able to? Is it possible to have a conversation with them? What is holding me back?
- Reconciliation starts with an expression of sorrow. If I am in the wrong, is it easy for me to say I am sorry? Why or why not?
Dear Parishioners,
Bishop Lou met with all the priests in Peoria today. I feel like it was a very good meeting. He was honest about his feelings and very humble about how intimidating the job is. Priests are not used to hearing bishops speak of their vulnerability. I pray that he can handle the responsibilities that have been placed on him.
He spoke quite a bit of his desire to engage the laity and about using lay leadership and listening to that leadership. He also said that the diocese should serve the parishes and it should not be the parishes serving the diocese all the time. I think he gets it. Let’s pray for him.
May Our Lady intercede and bring peace to our broken world.
Fr. Mark