Christ's words of forgiveness form the solid ground on which Christianity stands and one of its most important values. Christ was unjustly judged and crucified without having committed a crime; he was humiliated publicly and crucified with criminals, and yet he made no objection. Just when we expect him to defend himself, moan, or even express disappointment, he chooses to utter very few words. As he struggled to breathe, he forgave his crucifiers and blessed the whole of humanity.
Luke goes on to tell us how one of the two thieves mocked Jesus and challenged the fact that he was the Messiah. Jesus ignored the insult and did not answer in the same spirit. The other criminal rebuked the mocker, and asked Jesus to remember him in the kingdom of Christ. Jesus, of course, agreed.
Jesus had the opportunity to condemn those who sought to crucify him, and to judge the mocking criminal. He was not even obliged to bless the other criminal, who had been justly condemned. However, even in these darkest moments of his life, Jesus did not forget that he had come to reconcile humans to their Creator.
Sinners are condemned because they have rebelled against God. However, they do not need us to judge them or to declare them guilty. What they do need is someone to forgive them and show them the way to be reconciled with God.
We live in a world where we are surrounded by evil. How should we react to the wrongs we may encounter? Jesus ignored the offenses done to him, but he was receptive to the people who needed repentance and forgiveness.
Do we bless when we are cursed? Or do we at least ignore the curses spoken against us? Do we justify ourselves when we treat others the way they treat us? Do we welcome those who have repented or do we look down on them?
Jesus came with forgiveness as the cornerstone of his mission and his kingdom, and he willingly forgave when he was wronged. May his example be always before us as the Holy Spirit helps us to forgive when we are wronged.
- 10 APRIL -