Healing through forgiveness

Reflections on Luke 23:32-43

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed.” Luke 23:34&35a

The season of Lent is meant to get us ready for a joyous Easter celebration. But some people that we know, may not feel joyous when the news is shared; that Jesus has risen from the grave. They may smile, but deep inside there still remains grief, pain and resentment. These feelings may not be seen, even by their closest family or friend, but they are present. If we are not aware of our loved one’s feelings, there could be fights and arguments that need not happen in family gatherings.

What could be the cause for a person not to feel the joy of Easter? In my years of ministry, I have met and worked with many people who had these feelings. Some people have been disrespected by family and friends for a variety of reasons. Some have gotten into relationships that turned abusive. Others have been used for the sexual pleasures of others, against their own will. Still, others were viewed as possessions of another person and were beaten just because. I could go furtherer, but I feel you get the picture; because some people have been torn so badly as human beings, joy does not surface for them.

When Jesus was nailed to the cross, he saw hatred from all kinds of people. Some felt he deceived them. Others felt he placed himself ahead of God in importance. Others had been planning his death for so long, they couldn’t believe the event was finally happening. There were others who were sure he was a fraud and wanted to have nothing to do with him. Others may not have even have met or heard Jesus teach of God’s love, but they were there yelling for his death. Jesus looked at all people gathered around the cross when he prayed, “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Through Jesus’ death, the power of death was defeated.

The following exercise is intended to heal deep wounds that people have received from their abusers: Sit in a comfortable place that you feel accepted for the person you are. Either focus on a cross you may have in your house or imagine one in your mind. Place your entire attention on Jesus on the cross. Bring to your mind the abuse you endured and the person who caused your pain. Keep looking at the cross and hear Jesus’ words as you speak, Father forgive them for they don’t what they were doing. Don’t slip into seeing that person or the actions they did toward you, just Jesus and his loving words for you. You may have to do this several times, over many months or years; but eventually, tears will turn into joy, the joy of Easter celebration.

Dear Lord, thank you for being a model of healing for me. I so much want to take revenge on people that have hurt me, but I realize that God loves them as dearly as I love you. Help me overcome my sorrows, so I can celebrate my new life in you. Amen