Miss Phoebe is living on the edge. She has taken on a Great Dane and scratched the poor thing (incidentally a gentle giant who was only trying to sniff and say hello) in an episode reminiscent of a scene from ‘Tom and Jerry’. My worried neighbour had to ask me to retrieve a shaking cat from underneath a bush; a ruffled cat who wouldn’t even come out from under the foliage haven with the lure of fresh ham. It highlighted for me that what can seem an innocent invitation can sometimes be taken as a threat. The proffered and well intentioned invitation has been completely mishandled and hurt has been received instead.
Rather tenuously this has led me to that heartfelt and heartbroken phrase which Jesus spoke from the Cross
“Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Forgiveness then. That is not easy. It has also made me face a situation that I have been sitting on for too many years, and that is really, really not easy. What to do?
I turned to “The book of forgiving”, by Desmond and Mpho Tutu, and I still had that phrase ringing in my ears as I dealt with a conundrum I might tell you about face to face one day, this blog is not the time and the place for it. It needs cups of tea and a lot, and I mean a lot of chocolate biscuits. Honestly, all is good, it is ok and it is nothing to fear, but it is something I need to face, and I need to forgive and then ask and receive forgiveness myself.
“The book of forgiving” is not an easy read, however it is absorbing and is a compassionate book. It is written with love and forgiveness at it’s core, and I have read it before. It is one of those books that it is helpful to have and to dip into from time to time, and it is sound, theologically. In chapter 3 “Understanding the Four Fold Path” I was stalled by an image of a labyrinth and it reminded me of one from Cologne Cathedral (see below). Forgiveness, is pretty powerful stuff.
For Cologne and here in Britain a lot of forgiveness has been processed, and is being processed still. In terms of the labyrinth then, it is a directional way, a path full of twists and turns, not meant to confuse but to slow us down, to carefully discern. A path to be thoughtfully trod and a place to contemplate and wrestle with those things that God has placed in our hearts and that bother us. Conversational lines of communication are opened up with Himself and we are invited to converse these things with Him.
Desmond and Mpho Tutu have given us another use of the labyrinth, a way to wrestle with issues surrounding forgiveness. For those who are in the position to do so, and are in a settled place where it is safe and right to consider the possibility of forgiveness it suggests using a labyrinth to consider four things: telling the story, naming the hurt, granting forgiveness and releasing or renewing the relationship. Forgiveness is not easy, is it? One has to be ready to forgive, and be ready to want to be held in love by Jesus as you deal with questions that arise. Forgiveness is a huge path to follow, and one to be safely and lovingly navigated. One is not alone on embarking on this path of forgiveness, God is your companion on the Way.
Forgiveness is also about relationship, our interaction with each other, and ultimately our relationship with God. In our relationship with God, He has forgiven us. Our sins have been forgiven, the slate has been wiped clean by the sacrifice of His only son. Forgiveness is not lightly given, but we have been given that very precious gift by a loving, patient, and with us every step of the way Jesus.
There is too much to explain and delved into here in this blog, but if you feel moved so to do, explore this little book, it is a gift to yourself on the power of love and of course forgiveness. In answer to the opening title “Do you feel lucky?” Despite Phoebe doing her best Clint Eastwood stance, I do feel lucky, Jesus is with us, and I ask for Him to be with each of us as we contemplate following a path where we may not wish to go.
I am going to be on holiday for two weeks, I am not sure I will get a chance to write as we are intending to have a bit of a rest and explore inviting picnic opportunities. I will see you in two weeks my friends. Meanwhile I will continue to gather virtually with you, wherever you find yourselves at 9.00 am on Friday mornings. Love, peace and hugs, goodnight, God bless. Peace be with you friends.
https://youtu.be/E92Z3bwBVyI Bog jest miloscia - God is forgiveness.
God is forgiveness. Dare to forgive and God will be with you. God is forgiveness. Love and do not fear. Taize chant.
https://youtu.be/Yl9wSG8jFYQ Mon ame se repose - In God a-lone my soul can find rest and peace, in God my peace and joy. On-ly in God my soul can find its res,____find its rest____and peace. Taize chant.
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