12/08/2021

The law of total love demands that we do not continue to blame those who have  acted  against us. We must forgive any one his offences. Forgiveness is not the same as ignoring. Priests have broken the trust and responsibility that they have willingly accepted; they have broken their promises to God. We must forgive them in our hearts and no matter how hard it is to concur we must know that forgiveness from God is complete. Forgiveness does not blot out the guilt of our sins. It is for all sin that Jesus suffered at the crucifixion. The sin of the world is still with us and Jesus' forgiveness is with each of us too. Forgiveness is as hard to understand as love. I know that I do not want to harm anyone but without willful intention I have harmed many who no doubt remember me with resentment..

Bishops in England have failed their congregations by moving forgiven abusers to  different parishes. They have thus contributed to the whimpering collapse of our Church. No matter how bad an offender "there but for the Grace of God go I" is always in my mind to help me not condemn but even though it is not for me to judge I can try to forgive but ignoring is way beyond me . Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek; to forgive our enemies; he does not tel us to pretend that we don't have any.

Dear Lord you know how I find your teaching much harder, much heavier than your description of your yoke. Let the Holy Spirit which is You and the Father come into my soul inspiring it with the Love you bear for all sinful souls. I want to be completely forgiven let me do likewise.