Family! Have you noticed the roll of eyes, the grimace and the exasperation we’ve all used at times when “family” is discussed? Other comments include phrases like ‘we can’t live with them; we can’t live without them!’ or the very very impolite phrase ‘You can pick your friends, you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your relatives!’ We’ve all heard the moans and groans when the word ‘family’ is mentioned.
The saddest thing to happen within a family is when years go be with family members in a “war” over an issue. Whether it occurred over “a big issue” or something minor is irrelevant. A big issue to someone might be minor to the other person. Feelings were hurt, ugly things were said, appalling behavior was displayed. Distortions, lies, and facts become uglier as time goes by. People not involved in the “war” are uncomfortable and don’t want to be drawn into taking sides. Holidays, anniversaries, celebrations go by.
Pope Francis said the secret to healing wounds among family members is to “not end the day in war” and to forgive one another. Ah! Forgive one another. Forgiveness – giving it, receiving it, or even trying it. Ah, how hard it is. What Pope Francis told the crowd in this weekly audience on November 4, was pure genius: In order to forgive, Pope Francis said, “you don’t need to make a great speech; a caress is sufficient and it’s all over: But, do not end the day in war. Understood?”
The Catholic Church will begin the Year of Mercy on December 8 and the Pope pointed out, “to rediscover the treasure of mutual forgiveness.” Let us pray so that families may always be more capable of living and building concrete paths of reconciliation, where no one feels abandoned by the weight of their trespasses.”
Have a heart and give a caress!