Forgiveness

Burundi

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors  Matthew 6:12

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.   Luke 23:24

There are amazing stories of forgiveness in the face of horrific violence.  That is what we hear from those who live out these stories in places like Rwanda and Burundi.  I had the opportunity to meet Freddy Tuyizere who works for Youth for Christ International.   His work with his staff builds homes and communities for those who are the survivors of genocide - www.burundiyfc.org (Check out this site).

We are taught to pray the “Lord’s Prayer” that requires that we “forgive our debtors” as a daily prescription!  This prescription is one that leads to healing.   The prescription is counter-cultural in our violent world where we look for compensation and retribution.  We want to believe that justice will heal the wounds.  

We believe it is significant that from the Cross is another time we hear the mandate to forgive.  Help us to see our crosses through the lens of forgiveness and understand that the Cross is the source for all our healing.  

Thanks be to God for the living witness of Freddy Tuyizere.

Marvin

Related Posts

Restoration - March 14, 2013

Suffering - February 11, 2013

Healing Presence - January 3, 2013

Healing and Violence  - December 16, 2012

God's Grace - October 30, 2012

Selah

 “Patient Room Reminder”

Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee

I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah   

Psalm 3:4 King James Version

Richard Lischer’s new book, Stations of the Heart: Parting with a Son, describes the lived suffering and healing in a family and community of faith.  He invites all of us to be part of the conversation.  It is a conversation about crosses and the heart of the Christian faith.

The narrative by Richard Lischer is important because as Christians we are all part of the mystery of the story he tells of courage, hope and faith.  It is a unique story of a father’s love and loss.   It is a long story without short-cuts, easy answers or generalizations.  It is difficult lesson!

“Selah” is one of those ancient prescriptions that provides some direction.  It can be translated as “Pause, Reflect, Heal”.   It is a reminder to all who enter the suffering stories of our lives.  It is a beautiful word!

Thanks be to God for this awe-inspiring story of loss and the challenge of what it means to be a healing agent.  

Marvin

References:

Lischer, Richard (2013-04-02). Stations of the Heart: Parting with a Son Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

http://www.msha.com/about_us/patient-centered_care.aspx#.UWBpIKs4WEQ