Learning Forgiveness
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 16, 2016 (11C)
By Lauren Butler

Sunday Readings
Sunday Readings Bible Study
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: What commandments require restitution?

My Dad might possibly be one of the most forgiving people I know. He might be shocked to hear me say this, but I suppose it’s the humility in him that doesn’t realize that I take note of his interactions with my mother and my brother and me. So many aspects of forgiveness are revealed and spoken about in this Sunday’s readings.

One thing in particular that I notice is the person behind the forgiveness: Jesus. As a Christian the only reason I consider it possible for my sins to be forgiven is because of Jesus’ love for me. In the Gospel this Sunday, Christ reveals himself as divine by forgiving the woman and saying “Your sins are forgiven.” Only the divine could forgive sins, and Simon (the Pharisee) realizes this when he says, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

My mom and I are very similar people: organized, particular; frankly, we like things done our way. My dad is not of the same mindset as my mother and me. My parents have their share of arguments. I see the way that my dad approaches my mother when they have their typical post-argument (rational) discussion—with such love and caring. He is always the first to apologize, making sure to ask for forgiveness before offering it. I hope to be able to emulate this Christ-like behavior that my father so lovingly demonstrates in my relationships and towards my future spouse.

The beauty of being Catholic is that (at Mass) I can physically receive Christ within me. I can literally live so that it is “no longer I, but Christ [who] lives in me” (second reading). With my dad’s example and in receiving Christ physically within me, I am equipped with all of the tools to be the Christ-like, forgiving individual I wish to be.

Lauren Butler, Junior
Saint Louis University

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