In discussing the concept of forgiveness, our priest during his homily this past Sunday referred to Jesus on the cross forgiving the Jews and Romans for killing him. It occurred to me that this was, at the very least, literally incorrect. Since Catholics believe in Lectio Divina instead of Sola Scriptura, I thought my criticism needed further examination.
First off, to the Bible! Luke 23:34 (New American Bible)
"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
So, Jesus does not forgive "them" but goes out of His way to ask his Father in Heaven to forgive them!
Just to be clear, all throughout the Gospels we read how Jesus forgives sinners and sends them on their way and tells them not to sin again, etc. But not in this case. He doesn't forgive them. Instead He asks God the Father to forgive them.
What can we draw from Jesus' last (human) act on Earth? What moral teaching are we to get from this? Are we asked to walk around forgiving everyone who harms us? Or, instead, are we to ask our Father in Heaven to forgive them? It makes a difference, doesn't it, whether I'm asked to forgive someone (something which I'm not personally sure is within my abilities as a human being to do) or to rely on God's forgiveness and mercy for the Other's transgression toward me.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church chooses instead to focus its interpretation of this passage on the mercy offered to those who sin out of ignorance.
First off, to the Bible! Luke 23:34 (New American Bible)
"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
So, Jesus does not forgive "them" but goes out of His way to ask his Father in Heaven to forgive them!
Just to be clear, all throughout the Gospels we read how Jesus forgives sinners and sends them on their way and tells them not to sin again, etc. But not in this case. He doesn't forgive them. Instead He asks God the Father to forgive them.
What can we draw from Jesus' last (human) act on Earth? What moral teaching are we to get from this? Are we asked to walk around forgiving everyone who harms us? Or, instead, are we to ask our Father in Heaven to forgive them? It makes a difference, doesn't it, whether I'm asked to forgive someone (something which I'm not personally sure is within my abilities as a human being to do) or to rely on God's forgiveness and mercy for the Other's transgression toward me.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church chooses instead to focus its interpretation of this passage on the mercy offered to those who sin out of ignorance.
No comments:
Post a Comment