Prayer and forgiveness
Lent offers a powerful opportunity to remind ourselves that prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue. It invites us to reflect on the depth of our prayer lives – both private and liturgical.
When we look back at the events that occur during the days that lead up to the Lord’s resurrection, prayer and forgiveness are central themes. Jesus prayed at the Last Supper, for many things. He prayed for humanity. He prayed for unity among believers.
Jesus then went to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed. Even while taking His dying breath on the cross, He prayed, forgiving those who had put Him through such terrible agony and torment.
Jesus calls us to do the same, even though we often may often question it and struggle to understand it. Does Jesus really ask us to love the unlovable? The inhumane? The ones who hate us, cheat on us, scorn us and hurt us?
If we are to believe the Gospel, the answer seems to be yes. We must remember, however, that Jesus doesn’t ask us to take our enemies home with us. But we can say a prayer for them.
We can take the example of Pope St. John Paul II, who was shot by a man named Mehmit Ali Agca. After Agca was imprisoned, the Pope visited him, held his hand, and forgave him. He did not ask the Italian government to release Agca. He forgave the sin within the crime.
Perhaps, we can also take St. Paul’s words as a blueprint for our lives: “Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy; with kindness, humility, meekness and patience.”
This Lent, bear with one another. Look to strengthen your prayer life. Forgive, as the Lord has forgiven you, and over all these virtues, put on love.