Considerations on Good Friday

I'm a Quaker and I also consider myself a Christian.  I realize Quakerism is a big tent and that might not land for some, but there is a story inside the crucifixion that I think is universal.  

It is the story of forgiveness.  

Before Jesus gave up his spirit he uttered these words: 

"When they came to the place called Golgotha, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”…

~ Luke 23:34

Can you imagine the scene?  Could you place yourself there and still through all the suffering have the capacity for forgiveness?  

There are many mysteries inside of the death and resurrection story, but this one ... this act of forgiveness is powerful.  

WHY?

What does forgiveness give us access to that we would be otherwise cut off from?  I can think of a few.  Maybe readers can imagine others. 

• gratitude
• freedom from resentment
• acceptance 
• love
• joy
• freedom from the past
• an open heart 

Any one of these would be a motherlode -- a vein of gold that enriches our spiritual life.  

I can think of many stories of people "done wrong" who held on to anger for years and it hollowed them out.   Dr. Bernie Siegal, a cancer doctor, the author of Love, Medicine, & Miracles shared many stories of patients who activated their healing powers through the power of forgiveness.  

This Easter I invite all of us to consider the following queries: 

• Who in our lives deserves forgiveness?  And what constitutes "deserving?"
• Is it possible that we can also forgive ourselves for our own humanity and shortcomings? 
• Can we offer those around us permission to forgive us as a way of creating an opening? 
  
• Forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
  

I am writing this on Saturday.  The tomb is still closed.  Love is coming.  Let us roll away the stone on Sunday and find forgiveness in our hearts. 

Joseph Olejak 

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