September 13th: Forgiveness – Doorway to another life

Let us remember that forgiveness is the doorway to another life, not only for the one forgiven, but above all for the ONE who forgives.

Matthew 18:2-35

Ay! Woe is me, shut-in by fear and doubt, unwilling to forgive my brother who waits outside, knocking softly. Quiet now, the heart nods, head is lowered and hands obey; the door of forgiveness opens only from within. Once open, a new journey begins towards the light, peace and communion.

Our forgiveness creeps out unwillingly, like snails. Yet it rains down in abundance from above, like sand in a giant hourglass; millions and millions of grains, without pause, without measure. If only we could stand still, and count them one by one! Even the earth remembers the gusty, rushing symphony of raindrops; refreshing, showers of blessing, of forgiveness and life.

And yet we frown and groan to forgive a brother or sister for next to nothing: a bad drive, stealing a ‘zaboca’ or two, or saying the right thing at the wrong time. While we prepare to travel the last stage of our journey HOME, let us remember that forgiveness is the doorway to another life, not only for the one forgiven, but above all for the ONE who forgives.