As the
culmination of this Lenten season draws near, what have you found that brings
you hope, restores peace of heart, renews your energy? Or what keeps you starting over, persevering,
keeping faith?
When I reflect upon the Lenten Scriptures, the
transforming power of forgiveness jumps out at me. The woman at the well, the
prodigal son, Peter in the courtyard…
Forgiving oneself and forgiving others is no easy task. Only
God’s grace can give us the strength and the trust to do either. Our more frequent failures can attune us to possibly
needed changes in our attitudes. Sometimes, though, we can only pray to begin a heart-changing process. Sometimes,
this takes years. What The Rule (of Benedict) makes clear is
that forgiveness is not a bolt of lightning, but a slow, steady slog through
sand.*
As
we look forward to this Palm Sunday and the sacred days of Holy Week, let us
remember the loving embrace of the father, the woman’s restored dignity, and
Peter’s denial -conversion. Let us pray
to be open to receiving this graced gift of forgiveness and to passing it on to
another – living or deceased.
Sr. Sharon
Portwood, OSB
*How
To Live by Judith Valente c 2018
