SCIC Triduum Day 3: Forgiveness and Reconciliation
On the third day of the Triduum Mass of Sts. Chastan and Imbert, Fr. Bernard reflected on the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation and challenged the congregation with the following question:
What does it mean for us to take up our cross every day and follow Jesus?
Fr. Bernard explained that our love for Christ cannot be expressed merely through rituals or religious practices. It has to be reflected in the daily choices we make. To follow Christ is to choose love as disciples 24/7 – this is not always easy.
Each of us has our own struggles, weaknesses, regrets, disappointments, and failures. We may not see the struggles of others -the hidden burdens they carry but these are the realities of life.
And when we encounter difficulties, we often ask, “Why me?”
Fr. Bernard reminded us that when we hold on to unforgiveness, anger, resentment, and hatred – we carry the burden.
Jesus offers us a way forward, although it is not always easy. In Matthew 5, He calls us to pray for those who persecute us and to bless those who have hurt us. Forgiveness does not mean denying our pain or pretending that the hurt did not happen. It means surrendering that pain to God and choosing not to let resentment have the final word.
When forgiveness is difficult, Fr. Bernard suggested being honest with the Lord and praying:
“Lord, I am hurt, and I feel that I want justice. But I surrender this burden to You. I ask You to bless this person.”
Following Jesus is a journey, the circumstances may not change, the person who hurt us may not change; the problem itself may not even be resolved. But something can change within us: we can gradually become free from the burden of resentment and learn to love as Jesus loves.
Fr. Bernard also invited us to reflect on why the crowds are so large during Good Friday and Easter. There is something about Jesus’ suffering that draws people. Perhaps it is because, in the crucified Christ, we encounter a God who enters fully into human suffering.
We therefore need to contemplate on the crucified Jesus. This is not merely a devotional practice. What we contemplate must also transform us- how we live, how we suffer, how we forgive, and how we love.
Sts. Chastan and Imbert were deeply touched by the love of the crucified Christ. Their lives remind us that faith cannot remain simply a religious practice. It must shape the way we respond to difficulties and to those who have hurt us.
We are invited each day to trust Jesus with our struggles and allow Him, little by little, to transform our pain into grace, freedom, and ultimately joy. (SR)
For more photos, click on the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LTkN3FM1lqhEpgeYy7Y06vzGr8sd4oVc