"Why don't you just forgive him?" - June 1
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4 (5-19) 20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144
Isa. 4:2-6; Eph. 4:1-16; Matt. 8:28-34
“Why don’t you just forgive him?”
It is a tender question asked of a parent by a child. A child who does not know that sometimes there are rifts and wrinkles in and among families that run deep. A child who is not yet aware that resentment can trickle down through generations. A child who only knows of what is taught at home and in church about God’s love and repentance and forgiveness. And still, this child knows intuitively that when tension culminates into a nest of infection, the very solution presents itself: let out the pain and discomfort.
Lysing the wounds that plague us does indeed let out the pain. It can be a bit messy. It can begin a journey of healing. It also leaves us vulnerable in the moment. What happens next is crucial to protect ourselves from further illness, as we put on salve and bandage the affected areas.
Maybe we are skilled at the first part – the initial words of release. Or we wait until other parts of life are also affected. Maybe it is the longer space for healing and recovery that is a little spongy. It takes more time and patience and investment than we really know or understand. Sometimes it works. Other times, it might lead to further rupture or pain. Mulling over the trajectory from beginning to end, perhaps awe and humility wash over us as we see how such a small thorn pierces the skin and brings swelling and disruption.
In the reading from Matthew 8 today, Jesus has just stilled the winds upon the water. On the other side of the lake, two fierce, afflicted people – said to be possessed by demons – confront Jesus. They demand, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Before Jesus can say anything else to them, they continue, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” The solution is presented before Jesus. It is obvious. This is the way the tension will be released. Jesus says, “Go!” and the demon spirits fill the herd of pigs and race to their death in the deeps of the water.
The story does not end there. The people learn of what Jesus has done. And they come to see him. Will they thank him for removing the spirits that ailed those people who lingered around the tombs? Or they want to meet this healer and teacher, asking for their own healing? Nope. They implore him to leave their neighborhood. He cannot stay any longer. The cost is too high. The healing is too hard. That one change – expunging the evil nestling in the minds and souls of two – leads to other changes that must occur…no longer tending the pigs that are not “clean” sources of food. Not tolerating the other sins that linger in their midst. One healing reveals even more vulnerability. And it is not easy or comfortable to move to a space of deep, resounding reconciliation.
And yet, what are you and I called to do today? What spaces of healing and reconciliation are just waiting for us? God is equipping and preparing us. We have the model of Jesus to follow. We have the courage of the Holy Spirit dwelling among us. Together, let us take the first steps.
Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
Where could you really use forgiveness right now? Who in your life is hard to forgive?
What would it take to get to that point?
Daily Challenge
Take a listen to this audio clip of "Simple Gifts" by Yo-Yo Ma and Alison Krauss. Let it take you into a space of God's love and delight, so that you may be open to the gifts around you today.