# Going beyond our woundedness and the struggle to forgive
*2020-04-06*

> Bill Young reflects on the difficulty of forgiveness during Holy Week, drawing from the writings of Father Henry J.M. Newark and emphasizing the urgent need for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

## The Tragedy of Woundedness

Today is Tuesday of Holy Week. I have been reading from a Lenten book called 'Journey of the Heart: Lenten Reflections and Prayers' by Father Henry J.M. Newark. Reflecting on Monday of Holy Week, the theme was 'Going Beyond Our Woundedness,' quoting Psalm 86:15: 'You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.'

Father Henry writes that we are wounded people, and tragically, we are often wounded by those we love most—our parents, friends, spouses, children, neighbors, teachers, and pastors. This is what makes forgiveness from the heart so difficult. When we feel abandoned or manipulated by those we expected to be there for us, forgiveness can seem impossible. However, nothing is impossible for God. The God who lives within us provides the grace to move beyond our wounded selves and offer forgiveness in His name.

## The Struggle to Forgive

Moving into Tuesday of Holy Week, the topic is 'The Struggle to Forgive.' Father Henry references Matthew 18:21-22, where Jesus tells Peter to forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times. It is hard to forgive someone who offends us repeatedly, as we begin to doubt their sincerity. Yet, God does not keep count; He simply wants us to return to Him without resentment or a desire for revenge.

Often, the reason it is so hard to forgive others is that we do not fully believe that we ourselves are forgiven. If we could fully accept that we are forgiven and no longer need to live in guilt or shame, we would be free to forgive others. By refusing to forgive, we chain ourselves to a desire for revenge and lose our freedom. A forgiven person is one who forgives.

## Facing Our Mortality

As we approach Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, we face the challenge of celebrating virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. This situation has put our mortality front and center. Regardless of age, wealth, or location, this virus affects everyone. It reminds us that our life on earth is uncertain and that we could be called home at any moment.

Jesus warned us 2,000 years ago that He would come like a thief in the night. We must ask ourselves: if not now, then when? We cannot afford to say we are too busy—whether with TV or the news—to attend to our spiritual lives. Now is the time to pray and prepare our souls.

## The Urgency of Confession

My strongest encouragement to everyone listening is to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you haven't been to confession within the past year, make that your primary goal before Easter. While we may not have traditional confession in the church building, some priests are finding creative ways to help, such as hearing confessions in parking lots while maintaining social distance.

Do not be afraid of the priest. They are there to help you and have likely heard every sin imaginable; they will not scold you, but will offer comforting advice. Whether you remember your last confession from a month ago or many years ago, just be honest. The peace and happiness you feel after a good confession are invaluable.

## Prayer and Evangelization

I continue to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the Novena of Divine Mercy for the souls in purgatory and for those who have lost their way. I have met many people through my work who grew up Catholic but drifted away, sometimes disillusioned by televangelists who seek wealth. My only goal in doing this show is to reach people and talk to them about God.

Priests do amazing work in the parish, but as laity, we have the opportunity to reach people in the workplace or the community who may never step foot in a church. We are called to go beyond our immediate circle of friends and family to share the faith.

*In these uncertain times, the most urgent spiritual priority is to seek the mercy of God through prayer and the Sacrament of Confession.*