On Sunday the gospel lesson was from John and Jesus tells Thomas and the other disciples that forgiveness is essential. It is actually the only reference to forgiveness in the gospel of John, something that surprised me.
There was a truly puzzling forgiveness story in the news yesterday. The Vatican has decided to forgive John Lennon for his offhand comment at a news conference back in 1966 that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus. It was hugely controversial at the time, although it probably wouldn't make much of a stir if a musician said something along those lines today. I wasn't yet a teen when Lennon made the comment but I heard about it and was scandalized by this sacrilegious claim.
I'm wondering if the Pope knows that John has been dead for a while now. Why, oh why, would the Roman Catholic church extend forgiveness for something that none of us has thought about in decades? They seem to have more important issues to be addressing, such as the systemic cover-up of sexual abuse. Baffling.
Just the same, forgiveness is always a good plan. Does posthumous forgiveness make much sense to you? Have you ever forgiven anyone after they were dead and gone? Did it make a difference for you?
4 comments:
"They seem to have more important issues to be addressing, such as the systemic cover-up of sexual abuse."
Bingo.
I wonder if it was a political move, to get people talking about other topics besides the "systemic cover-up of sexual abuse."
But yes, I do believe forgiveness is possible and even necessary for some after someone has died. There are many people for whom this is the only choice. My dad died when I was eight and there are many things that I have had to let go and forgive as an adult.
This particular apology seems plain silly, in light of more important issues. Someone once asked what would happen if Jesus ever got a gig as a greeter at WalMart. The idea was that if Jesus wanted to mingle with the masses this would be his best bet strategically. I think this is along the same lines. Do you think it is just that, a weird gig?
Yup, it's an odd choice.
Thanks for reflecting on that idea of forgiving "after the fact" Deb.
It doesn't make any difference to the deceased, but it can for us.
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