Becoming People of Forgiveness

Living into the Resurrection #3

I invite you to read the same passage we read last week, and imagine yourself in that room. Where are you sitting? How do you feel as Jesus enters the room?

Ignatian Meditation: John 20: 19-23

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

When you are ready, take a moment to consider who you are carrying resentment against. Perhaps you return to the visio divina reflection of a few weeks ago, or consider a more recent resentment.

What does that resentment look like in you? Ask Jesus to give you a picture or sensation.

Are you willing to let go of this resentment?

Imagine bringing that person or community to Jesus, to this resurrected Jesus. How does he see them?

Are you willing to receive his resurrected-breath? To be empowered with his breath? To let go of judgment and extend a deeper level of forgiveness?

YHWH, by Scott Erickson

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