Do Catholics forgive as they have been forgiven?WITH PAINT ON CANVAS, Rembrandt, the 17th-century Dutch artist, tried to capture the experience of forgiveness in his famous painting "The Return of the Prodigal Son prodigal son, in the New Testament, parable of Jesus about heaven and the sinner who repents. A young man leaves home and becomes a wastrel; repentant, he returns to be received with joyful welcome. ." In rich, royal red color Rembrandt portrays the kneeling, partially clothed clothe tr.v. clothed or clad , cloth·ing, clothes 1. To put clothes on; dress. 2. To provide clothes for. 3. To cover as if with clothing. , half-shod prodigal PRODIGAL, civil law, persons. Prodigals were persons who, though of full age, were incapable of managing their affairs, and of the obligations which attended them, in consequence of their bad conduct, and for whom a curator was therefore appointed. 2. as being drawn to the breast of his gray-bearded, bent-over father, who has placed both of his hands on his younger son's shoulders to demonstrate acceptance. Standing to the right of that scene is the older son, lurking See lurk. (messaging, jargon) lurking - The activity of one of the "silent majority" in a electronic forum such as Usenet; posting occasionally or not at all but reading the group's postings regularly. in the shadows, unable to accept his brother's return. What Rembrandt put on canvas, Jesus of Nazareth put in the words of a parable, commonly known as "The Prodigal Son" but more aptly described as the lost son. The story is found in chapter 15 of Luke's gospel, following the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Many reflections tend to focus on the repentance of the younger son as his motivation to return to his father. However, if the parable is read carefully, we quickly discover that the son returns because he is lost and hungry. Furthermore, he wants to return on his own terms--as a hired servant for his father. His father will not accept his son on his son's terms. The foolish old man restores him to his former status as a son. He embraces him as an old grandmother would do, pulling him close, as if to suckle suck·le v. suck·led, suck·ling, suck·les v.tr. 1. a. To cause or allow to take milk at the breast or udder; nurse. b. To take milk at the breast or udder of. 2. him. All is forgiven--and there is a lot to be forgiven. The younger son had taken his share of the inheritance--in effect killing his father. He had squandered squan·der tr.v. squan·dered, squan·der·ing, squan·ders 1. To spend wastefully or extravagantly; dissipate. See Synonyms at waste. 2. his money on prostitutes. He had become a Jewish apostate by getting a job feeding pigs. As the father in Rembrandt's painting illustrates, and as Jesus' parable makes clear, forgiveness is a decision. One person offers to another the gift of unconditional acceptance and restoration. The offerer forgives out of weakness, not strength. The prodigal's father could have received him on the son's terms--as a hired hand--but that would not have been unconditional forgiveness. Instead, the old man restores the lost youth to his rightful place in the family with appropriate clothes, a ring, shoes, and a welcomehome feast. Forgiveness is possible because we are in touch with and acknowledge our own human weakness and need to be forgiven and thus recognize another's weakness and need to be forgiven. In other words Adv. 1. in other words - otherwise stated; "in other words, we are broke" put differently , forgiveness begins by saying, as one U.S. Catholic reader responding to a survey on the topic writes, "We are all part of the human condition with our best side and our worst side." Another reader put it this way: "You are not alone in asking for forgiveness." Saint Paul Saint Paul, city (1990 pop. 272,235), state capital and seat of Ramsey co., E Minn., on bluffs along the Mississippi River, contiguous with Minneapolis, forming the Twin Cities metropolitan area; inc. 1854. stated that rather clearly in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, "Whenever I am weak, then I am strong" (12:10). By sending Jesus into the world, God acknowledged our human weakness and reconciled us both to God and to each other. In the same letter, Paul writes, "God...reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself...and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us" (5:18-19). A U.S. CATHOLIC reader summarized Paul's understanding of reconciliation and forgiveness this way: "Forgiveness is possible when we recognize the unconditional love This article is about concept of unconditional love. For other uses, see Unconditional love (disambiguation). Unconditional love is a concept that means showing love towards someone regardless of his or her actions or beliefs. that God has for each of us. It is in the light of God's love that we recognize our own sinfulness and ask for God's forgiveness for ourselves and others." Forgiveness is not easy because it requires that we act not out of a position of power but from the trenches of weakness and need. Most of the time we prefer to be in control. When it comes to forgiveness, however, we must climb down from our throne of being offended and step into the muck of humanity, recognizing that that is where we recognize another's weakness and understand why another has hurt us in some way. Forgiveness emanates from weakness. If we forgive out of strength, we elevate ourselves above the other. As many readers of U.S. CATHOLIC indicate, it is through the sacrament of Penance penance (pĕn`əns), sacrament of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Eastern churches. By it the penitent (the person receiving the sacrament) is absolved of his or her sins by a confessor (the person hearing the confession and conferring the , commonly referred to as Reconciliation, that we find the strength to forgive ourselves, others, and even God. We forgive ourselves, which means that we recognize our common human need for forgiveness with all other people. This is usually accomplished during Penance services as individuals gather into a large group and proclaim to each other by their presence, prayers, and songs that they are all equally weak sinners and in need of forgiveness--in need both to receive it and to offer it. Confessing our weakness to each other through the ministry of a priest, and to God, we acknowledge that God has already forgiven us, not through power but through the human suffering and death of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ: see Jesus. Jesus Christ 40 days after Resurrection, ascended into heaven. [N.T.: Acts 1:1–11] See : Ascension Jesus Christ kind to the poor, forgiving to the sinful. [N.T. . We reach out to others from a position of powerlessness and offer forgiveness to others, even as they powerlessly offer the same gift to us. Penance is a celebration "A Celebration" was a non-album single released by U2 between the October and War albums in 1982. It is probably better known for its B-side, "Trash, Trampoline and the Party Girl" (later shortened to "Party Girl"), which has become a fan favorite throughout the of God's always-offered forgiveness. As one U.S. CATHOLIC reader put it, "God is always forgiving, even if we are not aware of our need for forgiveness. But we are too often paralyzed par·a·lyze tr.v. par·a·lyzed, par·a·lyz·ing, par·a·lyz·es 1. To affect with paralysis; cause to be paralytic. 2. To make unable to move or act: paralyzed by fear. by our guilt to be able to respond." Guilt, the inability to forgive, gets in the way of mutual acceptance. That is the problem that the older son had with his younger prodigal brother and his father. He couldn't stop being an older brother long enough to simply be another weak human being. It is important to notice the community aspect of forgiveness. The sacrament of Penance is celebrated in the midst Adv. 1. in the midst - the middle or central part or point; "in the midst of the forest"; "could he walk out in the midst of his piece?" midmost of the church. The very fact that forgiveness is received or given implies a community of two people. Because we are joined together by the bonds of our common humanity, the weakness of one harms others, just as the holiness of one benefits others. Thus reconciliation always entails the community of brothers and sisters who are harmed by our weakness and reconciled by our willingness to forgive. Once the old man's son was found, he threw for him a feast attended by the whole community--except, of course, the older brother. No one denies the power of sin, but forgiveness is much more powerful. Some U.S. CATHOLIC readers write about their need to forgive God for the death of both parents in the same year, for sexual abuse, for incompetence, for betrayed trust, and for other horrendous experiences that can paralyze par·a·lyze v. To affect with paralysis; cause to be paralytic. a person for the rest of his or her life. Other readers write about their need to forgive others for the reckless driving reckless driving n. operation of an automobile in a dangerous manner under the circumstances, including speeding (or going too fast for the conditions, even though within the posted speed limit), driving after drinking (but not drunk), having too many passengers in that killed a loved one, for a broken marriage, for a civil suit over an inheritance, and for other hurts. However, with the help of others--either through counseling or the sacrament of Penance--forgiveness can be offered to God, who, as a U.S. CATHOLIC reader says, "can handle my human emotions and longs for reconciliation and healing as much as I do," and to others, with whom one can "return to a trusting relationship." Catholics find themselves forgiving during the Eucharist. People forgive at the penitential rite In the Roman Catholic Church, the Penitential Rite is a part of the Introductory Rites of the Mass. The Penitential Rite is a time of reflection on one's sins and a prayer for God's mercy. as they communally acknowledge their failures and at the sign of peace as they reach out to each other with an extended hand. Like families that discover forgiveness while sharing a meal, the local parish eats and drinks at the Lord's table of mercy. We do not eat with enemies; we share food with those whom we have forgiven and who have forgiven us. Eucharist is a reminder of Jesus' words about forgiveness. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus tells Peter that he is to forgive unlimitedly--"seventy-seven times" (Matt. 18:22). Then to illustrate his point, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt. 18:23-35), who does not forgive others in the same way as his master (God?) has forgiven him. Jesus exhorts his hearers to forgive all brothers and sisters from the heart. In other words, forgive forever. Catholics forgive because Jesus not only taught about the need for forgiveness as a way of life for his followers followers see dairy herd. but also because he demonstrated it. After being crucified, Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). The One, who was the Father's instrument for forgiving the world, forgave for·gave v. Past tense of forgive. forgave Verb the past tense of forgive forgave forgive everyone--even those who put him to death. He forgave and forgot forever. Forgiveness is a process. We are always practicing forgiving, and we are always at various stages with various experiences needing to be forgiven for and needing forgiveness offered. Forgiveness is not instant; it takes time. Forgiveness of self, others, and God is a way of life that enables us to move on and on. "I think forgiveness relieves us of hate and anger and keeps our bodies and minds healthier," states on U.S. CATHOLIC reader. In other words, there is some connection between forgiveness and how healthy we are now and will stay. A help to both accepting and offering forgiveness is prayer. Personal prayer is an exercise of dependence upon God. Since God created all that is, all good gifts come from God. Whatever we have has been entrusted to us by God. Whatever we need will be given to us by God. As we willingly confront our hurt or our need to be forgiven, prayer brings us into contact with the One who sustains all that is. God's love for us surpasses all wrongs and forgives all hurts in Jesus. Through the cross we understand the power of love to forgive all and to be forgiven for all. Who will be able to forget the touching scene of Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish: Jan Paweł II) born Karol Józef Wojtyła visting in jail the man who attempted to kill him and proclaiming that he had forgiven him? Who among us cannot respond to God's love and both accept and offer forgiveness to others? Forgiveness was once demonstrated by an old Maori woman from New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. who had come to faith in Jesus. One day, after telling others about how her faith in Christ made a difference in her life, someone in the crowd threw a potato, which hit her. She picked up the potato and put it in the pocket of her apron. A few months later during the Thanksgiving service, at which it was the custom for believers to bring some of the fruits of their labors, the old woman arrived, bearing a sack of potatoes. When asked about the bag of potatoes, she explained that she had taken the potato that had been thrown at her, cut it up, and planted it. And she was bringing the fruit of her increase that was born out of her forgiveness. By embracing our weakness and forgiving, even more forgiveness sprouts sprout v. sprout·ed, sprout·ing, sprouts v.intr. 1. To begin to grow; give off shoots or buds. 2. To emerge and develop rapidly. v.tr. and grows. There is always enough to share some with others, who share theirs with us. Now, some U.S. CATHOLIC readers share their powerlessly powerful experiences of forgiveness with the rest of us in the hope that ours will multiply. READERS' REPONSE 1. It's a sin to withhold forgiveness. 80% agree 8% disagree 12% other 2. I find it very difficult to forgive someone who has wronged me. 48% agree 43% disagree 9% other 3. The ability to forgive comes through grace. 95% agree 2% disagree 3% other 4. God forgives each person for his or her sins whether or not he or she asks for it. 36% agree 52% disagree 12% other 5. People should seek forgiveness whenever they realize that they have truly hurt someone. 90% agree 4% disagree 6% other 6. It isn't always fair to yourself to forgive someone. 24% agree 71% disagree 5% other 7. To be forgiven, we must ask God and others for forgiveness. 63% agree 22% disagree 15% other 8. Some sins are unforgivable. 12% agree 78% disagree 10% other 9. I find the following most helpful in the forgiving process: 17% private Confession. 11% Reconciliation services with general abslution. 40% the Eucharist/Mass. 19% private prayer. 8% Penance services. 5% other 10. The church should offer general absolution absolution In Christianity, a pronouncement of forgiveness of sins made to a person who has repented. This rite is based on the forgiveness that Jesus extended to sinners during his ministry. more frequently. 69% agree 23% disagree 8% other 11. If I die with unforgiven sins on my soul, I will pay in the afterlife. 53% agree 28% disagree 19% other 12. I contemplate abstaining from Communion when I'm feeling resentment or anger toward another. 35% agree 55% disagree 10% other 13. No one is obliged o·blige v. o·bliged, o·blig·ing, o·blig·es v.tr. 1. To constrain by physical, legal, social, or moral means. 2. to forgive. 20% agree 74% disagree 6% other 14. There are some sins I'm not repentant re·pen·tant adj. Characterized by or demonstrating repentance; penitent. re·pen  tant·ly adv.Adj. 1. enough about to be forgiven by God. 20% agree 73% disagree 7% other 15. Sometimes I feel so bad about my actions that I don't want to "I Don't Want To"/"I Love Me Some Him" is the third single released from Toni Braxton's multiplatinum second album, Secrets. Written and produced by R. Kelly, this ballad describes the agony of a break-up. be forgiven. 14% agree 82% disagree 4% other 16. I sometimes forgive too easily. 40% agree 53% disagree 7% other 17. As I grow older, I find it: 82% easier to forgive others. 2% harder to forgive others. 13% the same as always. 3% other 18. As I grow older, I find it: 61% easier to forgive myself. 22% harder to forgive myself. 15% the same as always. 2% other 19. It's important to tell someone how they've hurt you. 63% agree 26% disagree 11% other 20. Forgiving a deep wrong is an act of extreme courage. 86% agree 9% disagree 5% other 21. I have a harder time forgiving the wrongs done to my loved ones loved ones npl → seres mpl queridos loved ones npl → proches mpl et amis chers loved ones love npl than the wrongs I experience myself. 64% agree 25% disagree 11% other 22. Forgiveness is not complete unless I make amends AMENDS. A satisfaction, given by a wrong doer to the party injured for a wrong committed. 1 Lilly's Reg. 81. 2. By statute 24 Geo. II. c. 44, in England, and by similar statutes in some of the United States, justices of the peace, upon being notified of an , too. 70% agree 19% disagree 11% other 23. Forgiveness can erase the pain and hurt someone has caused you. 55% agree 35% disagree 10% other 24. There are people I will never forgive. 10% agree 82% disagree 8% other 25. My pride gets in the way of offering or receiving forgiveness. 63% agree 29% disagree 8% other 26. Once I forgive someone, I will never again feel anger toward that person for what he or she did. 10% agree 77% disagree 13% other 27. Often I say "I forgive you" when I really don't mean it. 26% agree 68% disagree 6% other 28. If someone will not forgive you, self-forgiveness is justifiable. 74% agree 13% disagree 13% other 29. When a major injustice is done to me: 15% I forgive and forget. 71% I forgive but not forget. 6% I neither forgive nor forget. 8% other 30. I try to forgive as Jesus did. 89% agree 5% disagree 6% other 31. Forgiveness is hardest when there's no one to blame. 52% agree 32% disagree 16% other 32. Forgiving loved ones is harder than forgiving strangers. 59% agree 36% disagree 5% other 33. I rarely ask for forgiveness. 36% agree 58% disagree 6% other 34. God never needs forgiveness. 81% agree 8% disagree 11% other 35. It's impossible to forgive someone if he or she shows no signs of repentance. 23% agree 66% disagree 11% other 36. I wait until someone apologizes to me before I forgive him or her. 10% agree 87% disagree 3% other 37. I expect people to forgive me for my wrongdoings. 67% agree 18% disagree 15% other One thing I find almost impossible to forgive is: Cruelty to children, the elderly, and helpless people. K. Barnash Chicago, Ill. People breaking the bonds of trust I have given to them. So many people today are not trustworthy, yet we must trust others with our ideas, goals, and feelings. Those without trust become bitter and alone, and that is not the life God intends for us to live. Dan Riedell Sac City, Iowa Sac City is a city in Sac County, Iowa, United States, situated on the rolling hills along the valley of the North Raccoon River, in one of the prime agricultural regions of the United States. The population was 2,368 at the 2000 census. Wrongs done to any member of my family. Name withheld Birmingham, Ala. Superiors (or those in power) imposing their will on a person's career and deciding on their vocation and avocation. Father Timothy Stockmeyer, C.P. W. Hartford, Conn. Abortion and the death penalty. Jose Aquiler Eagle Pass, Tex. Deliberate enticement of youth to drugs, and immoral sexual behavior sexual behavior A person's sexual practices–ie, whether he/she engages in heterosexual or homosexual activity. See Sex life, Sexual life. by adults comes close, in my mind, to being impossible to forgive. Sister Rita Schlumpberger Shenandoah, Iowa This article is about the Iowa city. For other uses, see Shenandoah. Shenandoah is a city in Fremont and Page Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 5,546 at the 2000 census. Torture of political prisoners, war, murder, and sexism in the church when it is from ignorance or on purpose. Ruth Fitzpatrick Fairfax, Va. Mass murderers mass murderer n. 1. A person, especially a political or military leader, who is responsible for the deaths of many individuals. 2. a. A person who kills several or numerous victims in a single incident. b. and sexual offenders who won't stop offending. K. Cornell Toledo, Ohio
Insults to my reputation done by someone to boost their ego, to cover an indiscretion in·dis·cre·tion n. 1. Lack of discretion; injudiciousness. 2. An indiscreet act or remark. indiscretion Noun 1. the lack of discretion 2. , and to further their reputation. Richard Larsen Fremont, Wis. Gossiping and making false judgments. Sister Anna Mae Kurma, O.S.F. Erie, Pa. I draw on the following to help me forgive when forgiveness is difficult: Time--it heals all wounds, so they say, and a lot of times I just need time away from the problem to cool down, and then I can forgive. The amount of time, of course, depends on the severty of the wrong. Wendy Roberts Riverside, Ohio Riverside is a city in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. The population was 23,545 at the 2000 census and 22,733 in 2005 census estimates. Geography Riverside is located at (39.778858, -84. The forgiveness of God I have experienced. Forgiveness is something I need to keep working on. Name withheld Going for a walk and looking into my faith and heart. Ruth Ortega Sudan, Tex. Remembering my own faults and how I have hurt others. Lee S. Cornell Sturtevant, Wis. I remember that the mercy I show will be the mercy shown to me, and I need all the help I can get. Colette Carner Rockford, Ill. I understand that God forgave and gave his son. What right do I have not to forgive? Jean T. Jacob APO apo- 1 A prefix indicating a protein component in a conjugated molecule–eg, apoferritin, apolipoprotein, see there 2 Apolipoprotein, see there , N.Y. Through prayer I hope to reach a point where I decide to forgive. Once I make that decision, it becomes easier (not easy) to complete the process of reconciliation. Joseph Richiuso Satellite Beach, Fla. Reflection, spiritual reading, community worship services. Antoinette Page Stamford, Conn. What constitutes true forgiveness is: Accepting that each of us is weak and vulnerable. When I can see that it may be as hard for someone else to see that they have hurt me as it is for me to deal with the hurt--then I can forgive them as I forgive myself. Veronica Wingen Forth Worth, Tex. The willingness to discuss the situation and listen to each other until understanding occurs. Name withheld McFarland, Wis. Forgiving and forgetting in your heart and not needing to hear or know whether the other person is repentant. Name withheld Indianapolis, Ind. Having no desire to get even or retaliate. Name withheld St. paul St. Paul as a missionary he fearlessly confronts the “perils of waters, of robbers, in the city, in the wilderness.” [N.T.: II Cor. 11:26] See : Bravery , Minn. Being able to be at peace with oneself and the offender. Name withheld Mobile, Ala. Being able to deal with a person you have forgiven in a nonjudgmental non·judg·men·tal adj. Refraining from judgment, especially one based on personal ethical standards. Adj. 1. nonjudgmental manner. Name withheld Nashua, N.J. Love and acceptance--there is no forgiveness without these. Name withheld Stow Stow (stō), city (1990 pop. 27,702), Summit co., NE Ohio, a suburb of Akron; settled 1802, inc. as a city 1960. Chiefly residential, it has some light industry. , Mass. The most terrible time I had forgiving was: Not being invited to a close friend's son's wedding when most of the town was. Name withheld Endicott, N.Y. A son who abandoned his Catholic faith for another denomination Denomination The stated value found on financial instruments. Notes: This term applies to most financial instruments with monetary values. The denomination for bonds and securities would be face value or par value. . Dan Lacey lac·ey adj. Variant of lacy. Springfield, Ohio Springfield is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Clark CountyGR6. The municipality is located in southwestern Ohio and is situated on the Mad River and Buck Creek, approximately 45 miles (72 km) west of Columbus and 25 miles (40 A deeply hurtful hurt·ful adj. Causing injury or suffering; damaging. hurt ful·ly adv.hurt public confrontation with the pastor because I felt he was utterly uncaring. I was both humiliated hu·mil·i·ate tr.v. hu·mil·i·at·ed, hu·mil·i·at·ing, hu·mil·i·ates To lower the pride, dignity, or self-respect of. See Synonyms at degrade. and angry, and I still struggle today even though the event was four years ago. My lack of forgiveness hurts me more than it hurts him. Name withheld Saginaw, Mich. When I was rejected by someone I considered a very good friend-- without any explanation. Name withheld Staten Island Staten Island (1990 pop. 378,977), 59 sq mi (160 sq km), SE N.Y., in New York Bay, SW of Manhattan, forming Richmond co. of New York state and the borough of Staten Island of New York City. , N.Y. A family doctor's sexual abuse and his using his position as a medical doctor to intimidate in·tim·i·date tr.v. in·tim·i·dat·ed, in·tim·i·dat·ing, in·tim·i·dates 1. To make timid; fill with fear. 2. To coerce or inhibit by or as if by threats. my wife. Name withheld Camp Hill, Pa. When my husband lived with another woman for ten months. Name withheld Jacksonville, N.C. I was sexually abused when I was 14 years old. I told my mother what happened immediately after the assault. She said I had caused the assault because I was a tease. I have not forgiven her or the boy who attacked me. He was a neighbor. This happened 22 years ago, and the scars remain emotionally. Name withheld Pittsburgh, Pa. When a person I completely trusted caused me to be removed from a community in which I had found friendship and support, and subsequently she claimed my place in that community for herself. Name withheld Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, city (1990 pop. 173,072), seat of Allen co., NE Ind., where the St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers join to form the Maumee River; inc. 1840. It is the second largest city in the state, a major railroad and shipping point, a wholesale and distribution hub, , Ind. I found myself in the position of needing to forgive God when: He seemed to have abandoned me. He let me down when I'd worked as hard as I possibly could, and I had asked for his help. After that, it seemed for the longest time he didn't care at all what happened to me. M. Wallingford Cedar Falls Cedar Falls, city (1990 pop. 34,298), Black Hawk co., N Iowa, on the Cedar River; inc. 1854. It developed as a milling center in the late 19th-century after the coming of the railroad; its name is derived from the cedar tree. , Idaho I see innocent children and adults around the world suffering, dying in pain and misery from starvation, violence, disease. Richard J. Ward S. Dartmouth, Mass. An injustice was done to me by a priest. Name withheld Detroit, Mich. There were so many sad early deaths in my family about 15 to 20 years ago. I felt God was picking on our family, and I was blaming him. I needed to forgive God. Mary L. Blonigan Plymouth, Minn. I see the consequences of the use of free will among humans. It seems to be used to bring harm and evil with no action by God to correct it. Name withheld Longmount, Colo. I see young, unmarried, and sometimes incapable girls having babies, and I was unable to have any of my own. Name withheld Wilkes-Barre, Pa. I got divorced, and I felt abandoned not only by my former spouse but also by God. Name withheld El Dorado El Dorado, legendary country of South America El Dorado (ĕl`dərä`dō, –rā`–) [Span.,=the gilded man], legendary country of the Golden Man sought by adventurers in South America. , Kans. I faced my sexuality and came to terms with my being gay. Name withheld Suffering occurs that cannot be explained or understood. I need to forgive God for being God and for making me a creature with very limited knowledge and understanding. Peggy Schneider Rochester, Minn. The way the church can best help me experience forgiveness for my failings is: To make more Reconciliation services, general absolution, and private confession possible. I could use this format once a month. To talk more in sermons about forgiveness in everyday stories. Our pastor does this on a regular basis. He asks forgiveness of us on a regular basis--modeling the concept. P. Christensen Philadelphia, Pa. Reminders about the sacrament of Penance, and the nature of sin. Catholics have this sacrament as a means of symbolic reconciliation with other people, and as a way of reconciliation with God. In my view this sacramental sacramental, in the Roman Catholic Church, aid to devotion that is not a sacrament. Sacramentals are commonly divided into six classes: prayer, anointing, eating, confession, giving, and blessings. approach is not promoted enough. Richard Janas Buffalo, N.Y. By being willing to help me understand how sin hurts me and causes separation between me and God's graces. Confession should be more than a listening box with absolution. Name withheld Huntsville, Ala. The church has already done this by accepting me back--faults and all. Leo Leo, in astronomy Leo [Lat.,=the lion], northern constellation lying S of Ursa Major and on the ecliptic (apparent path of the sun through the heavens) between Cancer and Virgo; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. C. Wilson Galveston, Tex. By including such a prayer in the Mass. Name withheld Chicago, Ill. To make moments of healing more comfortable, more accessible, less fearful, more freeing, challenging, and yet compassionate. Norm Carroll Wilmington, Del. To help me remember that God is forgiving and loves me always. Carol Elias Indianapolis, Ind. By being more sensitive to the needs and weaknesses of people, church laws sometimes cause much anguish and defection. Name withheld Fair Lawn Fair Lawn, borough (1990 pop. 30,548), Bergen co., NE N.J., across the Passaic River from Paterson; inc. 1924. It is residential with light industries. , N.J. Build a community of true lovers--a community based on acceptance of all its members, where each forgives the limits of the other, where the effort to love every person is the first goal of all. Robert W. Dodd Champaign, Ill. Teaching more on forgiveness and how best to handle it, good homilies, and good articles in periodicals that many people subscribe to Verb 1. subscribe to - receive or obtain regularly; "We take the Times every day" subscribe, take buy, purchase - obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction; "The family purchased a new car"; "The conglomerate acquired a new company"; . Joe Jaunty jaun·ty adj. jaun·ti·er, jaun·ti·est 1. Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk. 2. Crisp and dapper in appearance; natty. 3. Archaic a. Stylish. b. Genteel. Omaha, Nebr. There is nothing further to do provided the church has afforded me a viable instruction in religion to develop a mature conscience and faith. James W. Gable gable Triangular section formed by a roof with two slopes, extending from the eaves to the ridge where the two slopes meet. It may be miniaturized over a dormer window or entranceway. Columbia, Pa. To continue to make me feel welcome regardless of my sins. If I am truly sorry, Jesus knows this and he forgives. Jesus is a welcoming and loving God--the church must also be welcoming and loving. Frank J. Coppola Park Ridge Park Ridge, city (1990 pop. 36,175), Cook co., NE Ill., a suburb adjacent to Chicago, on the Des Plaines River; inc. 1873. It is chiefly residential. Several national and international corporations have their headquarters in Park Ridge. Nearby is O'Hare International Airport. , N.J. General comments Reconciliation seems to be viewed as optional in today's world. We've forgotten that sometimes we sin, so we need forgiveness. Would the world be healthier if it made better use of the sacrament of Reconciliation? I think the Catholic Church needs to spend more real effort on educating the clergy and the laity about forgiveness, community strength and weakness, and the need for personal contact rather than the assembly line of people popping in and out of the confessional once or twice a year. Laura Locher Mt. Vernon, Iowa I feel that the Catholic Church needs to seriously contemplate the meaning of forgiveness. Jesus did not forgive conditionally as the church does. Mary Magdalene Mary Magdalene (măg`dələn; formerly, and still in Magdalen College, Oxford, and Magdalene College, Cambridge, môd`lən, hence maudlin, i.e. was not told to say five rosaries before she was forgiven, nor was the thief crucified with Jesus told he would need to spend time in purgatory "In Purgatory" was the debut single by McCarthy released in 1985 on their own record label Wall Of Salmon Records. It was backed by "The Comrade Era" and "Something Wrong Somewhere". before he would be allowed in heaven. What, then, gives the church the right to do this? Dennis J. Winkelsas Norfolk, Va. I am happy to know that God can forgive me in those times when my self-righteousness will not allow me to forgive others. Theresa Coates Memphis, Tenn. It is difficult to live with pain of any kind. If you can release yourself or another from the pain of a hurt, you can be free to live again. Mary Lee
Mary Lee (née Walsh) (February 14, 1821 – September 18, 1909) was an Irish-Australian suffragist and social reformer in South Australia. Mary Walsh was born in Ireland. Huber Williamsville, N.Y. The sacrament of Penance should be updated. General absolution would be more helpful than walking into a confessional and telling sins to a priest because more people would participate in such services. More emphasis should be placed on concrete ways that people can correct the damage from their wrongdoings and on ways that people can avoid future sins. Name withheld Rome, N.Y. These questions really made me look at myself as a person who needs forgiveness, as well as a person who needs to forgive others. Tom R. Williams Ashland, Ohio Ashland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Ashland CountyGR6. The population was 21,249 at the 2000 census. It is the center of the Ashland Micropolitan Statistical Area (as defined by the United States Census Bureau in 2003). The Catholic Church needs to emphasize doing for others instead of worrying about sin all the time. If we are busy doing loving things for others, we won't be likely to hurt them. Name withheld Curwensville, Pa. I have met many individuals who have been hurt by someone and cannot find it in their hearts to forgive. It is obvious to me that this hardness of heart causes more pain and expends much more energy to maintain to the person who fails to forgive than it does to the person in need of forgiveness. We need to forgive in order to grow and be healthy. Dan Hull Saginaw, Mich. I am not allowed to participate in my church community because the Catholic Church will not give me an annulment annulment Legal invalidation of a marriage. It announces the invalidity of a marriage that was void from its inception. It is to be distinguished from dissolution or divorce. To justify annulment, the marriage contract must have a defect (e.g. . I was born and raised Catholic. I love my faith. I continue to practice my faith. Politics are played in every large group of people with authority. But I forgive those that will not forgive or help me. Name withheld Lakeland, Fla. The church needs more role models who forgive themselves and others. The recent steps in some parishes to "welcome home" Catholics who have not been active is positive. It is also necessary to talk about the value of forgiveness from the pulpit. Elaine K. Mozdy Meadville, Pa. The church has too many rules that tend to drive away its people with guilt. Jesus refused no one at his table, the church should refuse no one, either. It may take some people longer to forgive themselves and learn to give forgiveness, but if the church doesn't take them in with open arms Open Arms may refer to:
Barbara Ruttley Marrero, La. When I do not forgive, this says more about me than it does about the person who has hurt me or done me an injustice. In forgiving, I need to adjust my thinking so that I can see the person who hurt me in a different way. Without forgiveness, I can neither pray correctly nor achieve intimacy with God. This forgiveness is hard, but it must be done through God's grace and my own psychological reorientation Noun 1. reorientation - a fresh orientation; a changed set of attitudes and beliefs orientation - an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs 2. reorientation - the act of changing the direction in which something is oriented . Name withheld I firmly believe that the more frequently we participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation, the more we learn about forgiving as God calls us to. Father Reginald F. Petrash Freeport, Tex. I had a recent experience with not wanting to forgive someone. I suffered spiritual and emotional pain as a result. Today I know it is much easier to pray for the willingness to forgive than to carry the burden of those emotions. Forgiveness gave me peace. Marie George Chicago, Ill. For me, sacramental reconciliation is a time where I celebrate what God does for me daily. Father David Turner (person) David Turner - Professor David A Turner. One of the pioneers of functional languages. He designed several languages, including, SASL (1976), KRC (1981), and Miranda, many of which were implemented using combinators and the S-K reduction machine which he defined. , O.S.B. Lisle lisle n. 1. A fine, smooth, tightly twisted thread spun from long-stapled cotton. 2. Fabric knitted of this thread, used especially for hosiery and underwear. , Ill. Mass, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation are so healing when we use them in faith, not as habit. Life for all of us is a struggle, but if we are diligent in our walk with the Lord and trust in him, we will find much joy and peace! Name withheld New Iberia New Iberia, city (1990 pop. 31,828), seat of Iberia parish, S La., on Bayou Teche, which is connected to the Intracoastal Waterway by a canal; inc. 1836. It has printing and publishing, and its manufactures include oil- and gas-drilling equipment, fabricated steel, , La. |
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