This TEDx selection presents a vivid picture of the consequences of not believing in the transformative way of the cross as well a challenge for those of us who do believe in forgiveness, who believe in each person’s ability to say “I’m sorry” and move on with their life.
I believe when we forgive we act as Jesus did; we forgive even as we hang dying on a cross constructed by the fearful for those who choose to do the Jesus thing, i.e. forgive. Don’t try this if you are faint of heart. It takes courage and guts to stand up to injustice and people whose defense is: “We only want to protect ourselves.” I’ve found it does lead to new life though, not only for the forgiven, but for the ones who forgive as well.
I spent some of the happiest years of my life with kids who made bad decisions. They taught me the truth of the bold ideas expressed in the above paragraph. It disturbs me to no end to think that one or maybe even more than one bad decision of anyone, let alone a child, could end up with that person spending her life in prison with no possibility of parole. I believe Tim Holmes has the right idea in his comment below. I would just substitute “person” for “14-year old”.
No 14-year-old should be locked up for life when the brain doesn’t even fully mature until 25. Anyone who thinks they could never behave badly hasn’t been pushed to their limit. Nor do they see people as equals. We can do better. “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” Any takers? (Tim Holmes response)
We are a community of laymen and laywomen who, with vowed Passionists, seek to share in the charism of St. Paul of the Cross through prayer, ongoing spiritual formation, and proclamation of the message of Christ Crucified.
