This exercise deals with the most difficult task of the Christian life. As in all the material of these three weeks, it is only possible to provide pointers, to show ways that each person in actual life can plumb the depths for themselves. The simple, everyday "material" reveals possibilities which can be used later in actual situations and examined again when some wrong happens to us. Also when our pain is increased by others the possibility exists to so use the experience that we are not destroyed by it, but rather that we grow and ripen inwardly.The basis for dealing with suffering injustice in a beneficial way is to look at the mystery of the cross of Jesus Christ which draws us into God's possibility of making an unbearable wrong grow into fruit. Therefore, it would not be good if we pushed away the pain we have experienced. We can look at the pain, indeed we can actually cry out to God with all our emotions just as the Psalmist did. It does not make sense to stop here. This is the first step which makes possible the second: that we no longer focus only on our pain, but look again at God, particularly turning to Jesus Christ, the Crucified One. This way of looking away from our bitterness and pain is difficult inner work. Here we must let ourselves go completely. Letting go enables us, so to speak, to stand over against ourselves and ask important questions or let them be asked of us.
- I Cor. 6:7: ("Why not rather suffer wrong?" )In looking at the cross of Jesus ask yourself:
- Lord, why do I feel so deeply injured in this situation? ... How would I react if another person had done the same to me? ...How would I judge the same situation if it were not me, but another to whom it had been done?...If after these preliminary questions we still believe we must speak with the other, then we must do so with the question: "Lord, how shall I speak so that I really help him or her, instead of only getting rid of my displeasure? Lord, when is it best to speak so that the person feels I am truly concerned about him or her and not only about myself?..."...- Lord, is not that which has injured me so much something of which I have been guilty myself? Perhaps I judge the wrongs of another so vehemently precisely because I have tendencies in this direction and am afraid of myself?... Is it possible that what makes me so "sick" might have its origin in my own inner "sickness"?
- Lord, how is it that others can actually do this? What are the reasons for that, where could they lie?:... (I must lay aside my anger or my injured self in order to identity with the other.) Is this which is a hurtful situation for me also of significance in Your eyes?...
- Lord, as your follower am I actually ready to bear injustice and is my love for you stronger than my love for myself so that in looking at you I can let go of my anger and pain?...
- Lord, am I aware that my forgiveness is a symbol which bears the reality of your forgiveness?... Do I understand that it is possible for me to offer your forgiveness to others?...
- Matthew 7:1-5 ( splinter and beam )
- Matthew 6:12 ( As we also have forgiven" )
- Matthew 18:21-35 ("If you do not forgive")
Lord, thank you for everything, especially for the people through whom wrong has been done to me because:Lord, Jesus Christ, you who loved the enemy until death, grant me a portion of your love.
- 1. you want to test and purify me through your action ... .
- 2. you sent this person to me so I can see myself more truthfully and through that
- become more open to you...
- 3. through that person your plan is fulfilled for me...
- 4. you give me opportunity through that person to forgive her or him who has wronged me just as I have experienced forgiveness myself ...
- 5. because your love surrounds that person who bears, just as I do, your image in weakness, disguise and guilt... .
Does that go beyond our strength? Of course. But without ability to forgive we block our own way to God. The gate is narrow . Perhaps so narrow, that we can hardly get through. But on the other side the fullness of God awaits us.