Seventh Sunday of Easter, 16 May 2010,

Forgiving must be the one of the hardest things that Jesus asks of His followers. When asked how often we should forgive, Jesus put no limit on the number of times. That is tough. To forgive takes courage and is one of the bravest things a person can do. If you have ever truly forgiven, you will know the cost involved.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to do what He would not do Himself. In Luke’s Gospel (23:34), Jesus asks the Father to forgive those who were putting Him to death – “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”. In today’s First Reading, Stephen “knelt down and said aloud, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’; and with this fell asleep”.

It is sad when we get caught in revenge rather than forgiveness. There are wars all over the world, where forgiveness is replaced by revenge. In political discourse, introducing the notion of forgiveness can cause eyebrows to be raised as if forgiveness only belongs in Church. But think of what an unforgiving heart can do to any one of us and to those around us.

When you are deeply hurt and maybe seriously wounded by another, it can seem impossible ever to see yourself forgiving the one who injured you. But when I don’t forgive, the hurt and wound can become infected and fester. I become bitter. I become hard of heart. I become suspicious of other people and keep them at a distance. Some people will say about being hurt, once bitten, and twice shy. That is why I find the Our Father so demanding when I pray for God’s forgiveness and then say, “as we forgive those who trespass against us”. Question is, do I forgive?

There may be times when you are the one who is asked to forgive. Someone comes and says, Sorry. Forgiveness doesn’t happen until the request to be forgiven is granted. Sometimes, it is refused and the other person goes away sad. To forgive another, is truly to act in a God-like way.

Not only did Jesus and Stephen show forgiveness but Jesus prayed for the Unity of His people. Today’s Gospel is the final part of what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. This is Jesus’ farewell discourse, a kind of last will and testament. It is the great prayer for Unity among people and especially among those who call themselves Christians.

This prayer calls believers into a relationship with each other similar to the one that Jesus has with His Father. It is as sacred as that. As believers we are called into a community where people will know us by our love for each other. When there is strife and division, the light of Jesus is dimmed. When harmony does not exist in our community, the message of Jesus is not heard as clearly as it could.

Aidan Troy, C.P. [Aodhn Troighthigh, C.P.]