Pat Foldvary: February 18

Week 1 - Luke 15:11-15

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

A Reflection on Forgiveness from Pat Foldvary

This scripture calls to mind the term “unconditional love,” so popular in today’s world.  It is a vivid example of a father’s perfect forgiveness in rushing to welcome home his younger son, the prodigal, with an embrace and a kiss.  Before ever hearing his son’s confession, the father is filled with the flood of love and relief a parent feels at first sight of a lost child returned.  Marring the moment, the older son is angry and resentful, exhibiting a “Dad likes you best” attitude.  

When we say the words of  the Lord’s Prayer, we are reminded that asking for forgiveness for our trespasses is only part of the petition.  We are to forgive, without bitterness or resentment, those who trespasses against us, offering to others the same gift that has been given to us by God’s grace.  

In their grief, parents of children killed in tragedies such as those occurring at West Nickel Mines School in Pennsylvania in 2006 and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012, chose love over hate.  They reached out in compassion to the families of the perpetrators of those violent actions.

Gracious Father, thank you for your forgiving presence each and every day.  We know you understand the burdens that lie heavy on our hearts before we even speak them.  We need only turn to you.  Jesus forgave from the cross.  Our faith assures us of your forgiveness.  Guide our focus away from self and toward compassion for others, opening the door to healing and reconciliation. Amen