The heart of the matter (cue Don Henley) – it’s about forgiveness.

We are closing in on the end of Lent. This weekend we will commemorate Palm Sunday. Standing in that crowd, waving my branch, I see firsthand how fickle I am. Just as those who went from Hosana to Crucify Him! And there’s Jesus. Forgive her. She does know what she is doing. Thank you for that grace, dear Jesus. Thank you for being the perfect model of forgiveness.

I attended a Reconciliation Liturgy with my Canadian faith family this week – thank Godde for Zoom – so this Florida gal can lean into what it means to be part of an inclusive Catholic community. It is such an amazing gift – I feel like a first-century follower of the way – small community gatherings where bread is broken and shared – or in this case examining where we have fallen short radiating the energy and divinity that is Godde within us.

Our priest, Jane, gave a wonderful homily on forgiveness and offered the idea that forgiveness is a process. I had not thought about it quite like that. My take is that forgiveness is not one-and-done. A wise friend once told me that marriage has its challenges and that we have to wake up each day and renew our commitment to love our spouse. I now understand the same holds for forgiveness. It is a choice.

We have to decide to forgive and then continually remind ourselves that this is our choice. We do not have to like the person or offense, but we do have to love them. You can only get to that place of love through forgiveness. To harbor anger and resentment kills the soul. But to forgive allows us to heal. When our mind gets in the loop of how we have been wronged, once we have decided to forgive, we need to stop that loop and remind ourselves we have chosen to forgive. Say a prayer for that person. Write them a letter and tell them exactly what you think of them, the offense, their behavior – whatever you need to forgive. Then write a prayer of forgiveness for the person, group, or system needing forgiveness. More often than not these are not sent – it is an exercise for me to wrap my head around the situation and come to terms with my emotions surrounding the person or situation.

 As time goes on, and this process repeats itself, I have found I am more open and the healing happens, and true forgiveness manifests. That does not mean we have to engage with the person who wronged us. Boundaries and understanding are important for our well-being. But forgiving is also important for our well-being.

Also, seeking forgiveness is important. We may not be forgiven, but being able to say I am sorry. I have offended you. I have hurt you. These words help us heal. It lets the other person know we acknowledge we have fallen short of the kin-dom of Godde.

Two practices I have adopted that have helped me on my journey to forgiveness are loving-kindness meditation and Ho’oponopo, which is a Hawaiian healing practice of reconciliations and forgiveness.

For the loving-kindness meditation you think of a phrase or words that speak to you, typically my “go-to” is may you be safe, secure, live with ease, and rest in the spirit of Creator Sets Free (the Native American term for Jesus). As you breathe in and out you think about the person you need to forgive or who needs to forgive you and say those words repeatedly. It is a great practice when I am particularly annoyed, angry, or wanting to vaporize someone from the earth.

The Hawaiian practice ho’oponopono comes from ho’o (“to make”) and pono (“right). It is simple and so powerful.

Repentance (I am Sorry): A simple statement to accept that a problem exists and that you own part of it. When you own the problem fully, you are empowered to make a change with humility recognizing that you are human, too!

Ask for Forgiveness (Please Forgive Me): When we get in touch with our deepest feelings and wounds compassionately, and with forgiveness and gratitude for ourselves and others, there is great healing.

Gratitude (Thank You): Even if you do not know what the resolution is yet, thank yourself for being the best you can be and for your willingness to expand your capacity to love.

Love (I Love You): Embrace the energy of love, the transformative process is what is causing you to grip, so you can see what you need to see. This is loving and purposeful. Honor your feelings. Acknowledge any limiting beliefs with awareness.

Many days that is my whole prayer to Godde: I am sorry, forgive me, thank you, I love you.

It is clear, our culture is in deep need of forgiveness and healing. Ego-driven consumerism and Christian Nationalism are obfuscating the message of Christ. Our earth is in deep need of our forgiveness and healing. People are in pain and are in deep need of forgiveness and healing. We must forgive, to live.

70 x 7.

Hosana!

Crucify Him!

Forgive them.

Go in peace.

Amen & Namaste.