Nougat 26

Which comes first – the chicken or the egg? A classic question worth considering in light of Today’s Holy Nougat

““And he got up and went to his own father. But while he was still far away, his father saw him and felt compassion. He ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your presence. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Luke 15:20-21 TLV

So , which came first – the son’s repentance, or the father’ forgiveness? Is it a tough one? Try chewing on the nougat a bit more reflectively this time around.

My bet is on the father. He had been watching for his son’s return for a while, and understood what it required to restore his son to community. For the son’s actions had warranted his expulsion.

Although we are not obliged to go running from a far way off; the principle of forgiveness is similar. Forgiveness does not wait for the apology; it stands on its own. So much so that it anticipates repentance and prepares accordingly. Yes it does!

The reality of the work with is such that ‘blanket apologies’ cannot be expected to resolve the problem. Furthermore, it may not be as simple to restore a person to full status in community. We might need to ascertain the impact of rehabilitation for the one who hurt us in/directly. In situations of abuse, targeted discrimination and other similar offenses; rushing to embrace could be fatal. Let us use wisdom in our responses. It is the principle, of granting pardon whether or not we ever hear from the one who wronged us.

I am equally conscious that living forgiveness is not as easy as it sounds. It may require other assistance for our own mental health. And if that’s our situation; there’s no need for shame. (Many more of us need help and won’t admit it).

Are there folks who need our forgiveness? As Christ forgives, let’s do likewise.

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May all we seek be found in Christ