The readings last weekend were all about forgiveness. I think we all know how difficult it can be to forgive. I hope these two stories will help and encourage you to forgive others for what they have done and also to forgive ourselves for doing something we know to be wrong, for forgiveness brings with it peace of mind.
Sheila Cassidy, who was tortured by Pinochet’s men in South America,
wrote: I can only say: however much we have been wronged, however justified our hatred, if we cherish it, it will poison us. Hatred is a devil to be cast out, and we must pray for power to forgive, for it is in forgiving our enemies that we are healed.
In 1965 Richard Dimbleby visited Belsen where notices in different languages asked you to respect the dead who were buried there, about 70,000 of them. He came across a large wooden cross with wreaths beneath it. Below it was a prayer written on a scrap of paper by a woman prisoner. She had written it for those who were tormenting her. This is the prayer: Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not only remember all the suffering they have inflicted on us. Remember the fruits we bought, thanks to this suffering. Our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this. And when they come to judgement let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.