‘Love your enemies and pray for those who hate you.’
(see Matthew 5:43-48)
Perhaps we find it easier to pray for those whom we love or like. Filling our prayers with those we find difficult or even those we hate or who may have hurt or harmed us in some way is not something that sits comfortably with many of us. So perhaps Jesus’ command to love our enemies and pray for those who hate you is indeed challenging. And yet, as he hung upon the cross, accompanied by two convicted thieves, he speaks words of forgiveness , “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’
Scarlett Lewis’ son, Jesse, was killed in a 2012 School shooting un the US. At first, she said, she felt like her anger sapped all her strength and energy. She naturally harboured deep anger at the shooter and his mother for unwittingly arming him. Eventually she made a choice to forgive. “Forgiveness felt like I was given a big pair of scissors to cut the tie and regain my personal power. It started with a choice and then became a process.” At Jesse’s funeral, she urged mourners to change their angry thoughts into loving ones, so that they might change the world.
For her, the act of forgiving was transformative. Whilst forgiveness is difficult, particularly in such extreme circumstances, it can challenge injustice in a way that is unique and long lasting. It is liberating and life-giving.
PRAY FOR those who have hurt or harmed you, or who are antagonistic or impatient with you, and for all who find it difficult to forgive.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 