17 January. Forgiveness.  Portia reflected,“ I’m not sure what children are taught in catechism these days but I distinctly remember growing up with a belief that only God can forgive. It was much later on that I realised that we all have the power and even the duty to forgive others.  We say that in the Our Father. I can think of two examples.  Remember Oscar Pistorius who shot and killed his girlfriend and Janus Walusz who shot Chris Hani.   I was impressed reading in the paper that Reeva’s mother said she has forgiven Oscar for killing her daughter because she is a Christian and she has to forgive.   What is the situation with Christ Hani and his family?  There seemed to be no willingness and their part to forgive and parole was refused many times. Walusz did not ask for forgiveness and was finally deported. Is forgiveness a very complex but also a very mature adult quality?.”    

Reflect, share.  Scripture:   “Child  your sins are forgiven.   Now some scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts. “Is this blasphemy?  Who can forgive sins but God alone? Mark 2:1-12.    Pope Francis. Only God forgives sins, but he asks that we be ready to forgive others even as he has forgiven us. MM8. JUBILEE  Part of this spirit of reparation to the Heart of Jesus is the custom of asking forgiveness from our brothers and sisters, which demonstrates great nobility amid our human weakness. Asking forgiveness is a means of healing relationships, for it “re-opens dialogue and manifests the will to re-establish the bond of fraternal charity. It touches the heart of our brother or sister, brings consolation and inspires acceptance of the forgiveness requested. Even if the irreparable cannot be completely repaired, love can always be reborn, making the hurt bearable”. DN 187   Pray: for willingness to ask and grant forgiveness   Choose appropriate action.