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[__01__] It was late summertime and the late 1980’s. Not June not July, but more like late August. From back in the 1980s. I recall this family episode involving my two brothers, me, and a transaction concerning our father's 1970s Chevrolet.
At the time, I was
a teenager _____, and ______ expressed interest in purchasing the car, the Chevrolet. This
_______, a friendly individual who once gave us homemade ravioli, seemed
trustworthy. Little did we know, this seemingly simple transaction would turn
into a minor debacle.
As summer came to
a close, the deal for the car seemed to have fallen into place. However, in the
hustle and bustle of the season ending and school starting, the matter of
payment slipped through the cracks. My assumption was that my father had
received the money, while my father believed I had handled the transaction. It
wasn't until October that my father raised the issue of payment, and to our
surprise, we discovered that all we had received in exchange for the car was the
homemade ravioli. And, unfortunately for my father, my brothers and I devoured
it all without a second thought.
Months passed, and
the whereabouts of the car and its new owner remained a mystery. According to
one of my brothers, he spotted the car traveling south on the Garden State
Parkway the following summer. However, neither _____ nor I crossed paths
again. The unpaid debt hung in the air, but we chose not to pursue legal action
or further confrontation.
Reflecting on this
incident in recent times, we pondered why we didn't escalate the matter or seek
legal justice.
One explanation
ventured into the realm of philosophy, specifically the concept of karma.
Karma, originating from Hindu and Buddhist traditions, speaks of cosmic forces
and consequences for one's actions. While karma suggests letting go of
grievances, it does not have the same depth about forgiveness found in Jesu
Christ and the Gospel.
Contrasting with the karmic perspective, Christianity offers a different viewpoint on forgiveness, exemplified by the story of Jean Valjean from "Les Miserables."
There is a scene in the novel and play Les Miserables in which the apparent villain – Jean Valjean – stays overnight at a church rectory and at dawn escapes in the dark with all the silverware.
But,
then he gets caught by the police with the stolen silverware and hauled back in
front of the priest.
The
priest takes pity on the arrested man and tells the police that the silverware
was a gift and that he was supposed to take the silver candle holders as well.
And, then gives him the silver holders and gives him money and tells him, “I
hope this will make you a better man”.
It
is truly act based in true religion and in God’s grace.
The
man gets mercy which he did not deserve. And, mercy – by definition – is what a
sinner does NOT deserve. Mercy is greater than karma.
Forgiveness in Christianity isn't merely a means to escape karma but a pathway to personal growth and reconciliation. It involves both mercy and correction, challenging individuals to confront their shortcomings and strive for repentance.
As followers of Jesus,
we are called to emulate his role as an intercessor, advocating for others even
in their wrongdoing.
In hindsight, I
realize that at the time of the car incident, I failed to consider the
circumstances of _________ life or offer prayers for him.
However, I now
understand the importance of interceding for others, even those who have
wronged us.
Jesus, portrayed
as the Good Shepherd, embodies forgiveness and sacrificial love. His example
calls us to lay down our lives for others, becoming vessels of God's grace and
mercy. Through prayer and action, we can uplift those who have wronged us and
advocate for their redemption.
Christian
forgiveness extends beyond philosophical ideals, offering a tangible connection
to others through acts of mercy and reconciliation. Just as ligaments bind the
body together, our faith binds us to one another, emphasizing our
interconnectedness and mutual responsibility.
Jesus' forgiveness
isn't passive but active, inviting us to participate in the healing and
transformation of ourselves and others. By embodying the principles of
forgiveness and mercy, we contribute to the creation of a community rooted in
love and compassion.
[__12__] Jesus
the Good Shepherd wishes to save everyone who hears his voice, even those who do
not know they are lost.
He
creates a church and community that will provide both connections and
corrections we need.
Jesus
the Good Shepherd calls out day and night, even to those who are not listening.
This
is in the hope that you who are listening to his voice might correct me when I
am not listening.
May
we recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd who leads us to streams of living water
and green pastures in this life and in the next.
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