September 9
Beloved families of Good Shepherd,
Peace be with you! In this Sunday’s appointed Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone if they sin against him, suggesting seven times as a reasonable limit of forgiveness. Jesus replies to Peter, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” Jesus taught and modeled forgiveness as a way of life—not as something to be meticulously tallied by people in conflict with one another.
If you want to see forgiveness lived out beautifully as a way of life, I suggest taking some time to observe children. Children provide a wonderful masterclass of Jesus’ way of forgiveness. Author Lacy Finn Borgo, in her book Faith Like a Child, says “a child’s primary concern is connection, not power.” My sense is that children are able to forgive so readily because of their hardwired desire for connection with God and others above all else. Borgo writes about the natural humility, mercy, and forgiveness of children:
“All human beings come into this world in a humble state. We are not only poor in spirit, we are poor in pocket. As newborns, we mourn for the warmth, safety, and comfort of the womb. Our early grief places us in the meekest of states. We are hungry and thirsty to receive the gentle goodness of others. We are merciful beyond measure, willing to forgive those who cannot or will not meet our needs. Our hearts begin in the simple purity of the heavens, and we are literally wired for a peacemaking that leads to secure community.” (from Borgo’s book, Faith Like a Child)
Borgo speculates that Jesus never left his humble, childhood self which desires connection with God and others and naturally extends infinite forgiveness to all. Jesus wants us to become like little children again so that we can regain our desire for connection with God and others as our highest priority in life. When we do this, we will begin to radiate the generous mercy and forgiveness of children: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
It is a gift to have so many children in our community who show us how to embody forgiveness as a way of life. Thanks be to God for their presence here.
This Sunday is “Music Sunday” during children’s chapel! Our Music School teachers, Mr. Justin and Ms. Lily, will teach the songs of our faith during chapel. Afterward, our children are invited to offer their songs to our congregation at the chancel steps before returning to their parents.
We hope you will join us this Sunday!
Many Blessings,
Patty