9/11 – I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. I remember the morning clearly. I heard the news while driving to work at the Worship Center for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I couldn’t believe it. It was surreal. Soon after I arrived at work, the decision was made to have a noon prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Paul. I was at the computer putting it together immediately while my co-worker Michael Silhavy was choosing the music and gathering musicians.
It was a simple prayer service, but readings had to be chosen, prayers written, and a script for Archbishop Harry Flynn had to be put together. This work was most likely being done by dioceses and parishes all over the country and the world. In the midst of our fear and confusion, we turned to God for help and comfort. We had no answers that day; we still don’t really have answers today. Why can’t the beings all created by a loving God live in harmony?
The readings for this Sunday (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time) speak powerfully about forgiveness. From the first line, “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight,” to the admonition of Jesus that we must forgive 77 times, there is a challenge given to us to release anger and pardon others. Do those Scriptures on forgiveness include terrorists? (Sirach 27:30-28:7; Mt 18:21-35)
I might be able to forgive what I would call “minor sins” against me, but how do I forgive acts of terror, genocide, rape, hatred, and murder committed by people who are indifferent to suffering or who think their selfish end justifies whatever means it takes. What about the mentally ill or even amoral psychopaths? I don’t have an answer. I do know that anger is no sin and there are times when anger is an appropriate response, but anger can fester and lead to attitudes and actions that are sinful.
When I think of forgiveness, I often think of the Lord’s Prayer the way I’d like to pray it: “Forgive us our trespasses in a manner that is more merciful than the way we forgive those who trespass against us.” How do I forgive the offense of someone who is supposed to love me? How do I forgive words that hurt, someone who ignored me, or someone who betrayed me? How do I forgive myself for missed opportunities, backsliding in my good intentions, or some other stupid act?
It can only be grace, and maybe, “Forgive us our sins so that we can learn to forgive the sins of others.”
For possible reflection: Who do I need to forgive? From whom do I need to ask forgiveness? What gets in the way of living in peace with others? In what ways do I need to forgive myself?
Reflect on Sunday’s Psalm 103: The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.
