REFLECTION

Reflection

An Embrace of Frugal Authenticity is

A season in Purgatory

( Purgatory used in non-specific sense: condition of temporary suffering torment)

Be this my Rhapsody

Be this my Rhetoric

Time will not refurbish the realm of peace

Until you forgive.

        Inspired by actual events (2001)

 Today, the sermon on the Mount was read from the soil and land where the good Savior preached over 2000 yrs ago in Israel. No words were used, but His and the weight of it was felt deeply in all who sat at ASCC. To pray for our enemies was Matt’s plea alongside praying for our country and leaders.

As I was going through my old list of poems, which haven’t seen the light of day for over a decade, the above caught my attention. I am sharing it knowing that it was written not in light of 9/11,but the Sermon on the mount on this very day.

Matthew 6:14-15:“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

“Forgiveness is handing/entrusting all responsibilities and consequences of sins committed against you over to God and entering in His peace and healing, knowing and believing He is a just and righteous Judge”. Mimi Ayele

Forgiveness:“Generally forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you may always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness will lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feeling of understanding, empathy, and compassion for the one who hurt you.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that you go on with life. Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change”

Katherine Piderman, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic.