Reign of Christ
November 24, 2019
Forgive and forget
This common phrase is associated with a whole host of people. In a 2014 song by The Kooks,someone tells a former partner that he has moved on and he asks her to do the same; he both forgives her and forgets her.The same words are more often used in the opposite way, to say my forgiveness is so complete, I have no memory of the wrong. So, there is a true “clean slate.” Such use can be found in Shakespeare's King Lear Act 4 Scene vii and other literary classics. And physician Norman Cousins is quoted as saying: “I have learned that life is an adventure in forgiveness. Nothing clutters the soul more than remorse, resentment, recrimination.”
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them;
for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
These words of Jesus are echoed whenever we say, “Don't take it personally.” In Luke 23:34, Jesus could be talking about everyone who had conspired and allowed him to be crucified. He knows the people are ignorant and in need of forgiveness. He does not consider the people putting him to an unjust death as being evil, in need of retribution. If Jesus is willing to forgive while facing a violent, mean spirited, corrupt and unjust execution, then where do we justify acting on righteous anger or instinct for self protection? Lest I be unclear, I will answer that question: We don’t!
Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary (Click on the season you wish to see)
Advent
Christmas and Epiphany
Transfiguration and Lent
Easter
Pentecost to Proper Sixteen
Proper Seventeen to The Reign of Christ
Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary (Click on the season you wish to see)
Advent
Christmas and Epiphany
Transfiguration and Lent
Easter
Trinity Sunday to Proper Sixteen
Proper Seventeen to The Reign of Christ
Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary (Click on the season you wish to see)
Advent
Christmas and Epiphany
Transfiguration and Lent
Easter
Pentecost to Proper Sixteen
Proper Seventeen to Reign of Christ
For more on Glenn Morison and his book that led to this page, check out The Things We Say.
All this material is copyleft. Feel free to use it however you see fit, with or without attribution.
If you wish to value this page, please make a donation to the Winnipeg Quaker Meeting.
November 24, 2019
Forgive and forget
This common phrase is associated with a whole host of people. In a 2014 song by The Kooks,someone tells a former partner that he has moved on and he asks her to do the same; he both forgives her and forgets her.The same words are more often used in the opposite way, to say my forgiveness is so complete, I have no memory of the wrong. So, there is a true “clean slate.” Such use can be found in Shakespeare's King Lear Act 4 Scene vii and other literary classics. And physician Norman Cousins is quoted as saying: “I have learned that life is an adventure in forgiveness. Nothing clutters the soul more than remorse, resentment, recrimination.”
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them;
for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they cast lots to divide his clothing.
These words of Jesus are echoed whenever we say, “Don't take it personally.” In Luke 23:34, Jesus could be talking about everyone who had conspired and allowed him to be crucified. He knows the people are ignorant and in need of forgiveness. He does not consider the people putting him to an unjust death as being evil, in need of retribution. If Jesus is willing to forgive while facing a violent, mean spirited, corrupt and unjust execution, then where do we justify acting on righteous anger or instinct for self protection? Lest I be unclear, I will answer that question: We don’t!
Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary (Click on the season you wish to see)
Advent
Christmas and Epiphany
Transfiguration and Lent
Easter
Pentecost to Proper Sixteen
Proper Seventeen to The Reign of Christ
Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary (Click on the season you wish to see)
Advent
Christmas and Epiphany
Transfiguration and Lent
Easter
Trinity Sunday to Proper Sixteen
Proper Seventeen to The Reign of Christ
Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary (Click on the season you wish to see)
Advent
Christmas and Epiphany
Transfiguration and Lent
Easter
Pentecost to Proper Sixteen
Proper Seventeen to Reign of Christ
For more on Glenn Morison and his book that led to this page, check out The Things We Say.
All this material is copyleft. Feel free to use it however you see fit, with or without attribution.
If you wish to value this page, please make a donation to the Winnipeg Quaker Meeting.