Jesus forgave everyone — his friend who betrayed him, his friend who denied him, his disciples who slept during his hour of need, his accusers, and all who participated in his torture and crucifixion. In a few of his final words he said, “father forgive them.”
Every great spiritual teacher has insisted on the importance and value of forgiveness, but none taught the lesson so clearly.
We must forgive all who injure us, not just in words or as a matter of form, but in our heart. We do this not for those who we forgive, we must do it for ourselves. Resentment, anger, desire for punishment, if not removed as quickly as possible, become the worst form of cancer of the soul.
Holy week is a yearly reminder that we are to forgive all, including ourselves.
Leave a Reply +