fr. Jlucas+ 29/01/2025

For the last three years, I have been in a cross-fire war between two most beloved persons in my life. These are two individual that have the best parts of my heart because …….

The day I was able to see the world they were the first persons I saw. Before I knew how to love, they were the first person I saw loving each other. Before I knew what family meant, they were the family I leaned my head on their shoulder when I was sad. Before I knew God and how to go to church and pray, I saw them pray at home. Before I started to love touring the world, they were the first person I saw pack bags and tour the world, locally and abroad. These two individuals mean the world to me. I love them with my whole being BUT…… 

The very earth we walk on has divided them and the golden hearts I loved saw much have turned to be a gross place I would never want to spend a minute in.

Today as I reached the end of dodging the “bullets”. Seated here in my little office I was brought to reflect on the Lord’s prayer and I am left in wonder what Jesus meant by “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”.

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

Forgiveness is a personal decision to release anger or resentment toward someone who hurt you. It is your peace, not theirs.

WHAT FORGIVENESS IS NOT

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting, excusing bad behaviour, or giving the person access to hurt you again. 

WHAT IS RECONCILIATIO?

Reconciliation is the process of repairing a relationship. It required mutual effort, trust, and accountability. 

INDIVIDUAL vs MUTUAL 

Forgiveness is a solo act; reconciliation is a two-way street. You can forgive someone without building a relationship. 

TRUST 

Forgiveness doesn’t require trust. Reconciliation only happens when trust is earned back over time. 

BOUNDARIES 

Forgiveness can coexist with strong boundaries. Reconciliation may involve renegotiating the terms of the relationship. 

FORGIVENESS HEALS YOU 

Forgiveness is about letting go of pain and regaining your emotional freedom, whether or not reconciliation follows.

PHOTOGRAPHY HEALS ME … THE ABOVE ARE MY OWN PHOTOS