The Easter Escape Plan

Andy Dufresne : You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific? 

Red : No. 

Andy Dufresne : They say it has no memory. That's where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory.

-Shawshank Redemption

There are numerous instances throughout the Bible where truth seems much stranger and harder to accept than fiction, and this phrase stands out among them, "Father, forgive them, for they don't understand what they are doing." I can't wrap my mind around the thought process nor the emotion that would lead Jesus to speak these words. These words were stated while he was nailed to the cross and having gone through the humiliation of his trial and the verbal and physical abuse that led up to this time. I also keep coming back to what would I do in similar circumstances? In my mind, I would want their pain to equal mine: the soldiers causing physical torment and then nonchalantly gambling for my last possession, the mocking and jeering crowd, the smug religious leaders, they would all need to suffer if this were me. The only thing that I am certain of, is that they are all guilty and retribution is in high demand. His words force me, all of us, to examine the heart, one that is bent towards our own needs. It is too easy to fall into the trap of holding onto the hurt.

"I never forget. I never forgive. I can wait. I find it very easy to harbor a grudge. I have scores to settle." -Tom Wolfe

As we move towards Easter, I think it is vitally important to return again to the word of Jesus for they strike against all that my flesh cries out for. They remove the need for vindication, the blood lust of vengeance, or the folly of grudges. In practicing forgiveness, we are actually released. I don't mean that every ounce of pain will be swallowed up, but a process is started towards wholeness that can only be found for those who dare to forgive. If forgiveness is truly divine, then I find myself feeling flawed and human. I need a constant reminder of this deep seated void of forgiveness in my life. I need these words of Jesus tattooed on my soul.

"Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive, as we had during the war. And then, to mention the subject at all is to be greeted with howls of anger. It is not that people think this too high and difficult a virtue: it is that they think it hateful and contemptible." -CS Lewis

We all like to think about how forgiveness is one of the virtues that separates us from the rest of creation. We are human and we have the capacity to forgive, but the problem is that we lack the desire, it has to be a true God-given desire. It is easier to hold onto the hard feelings and pain. I may pay lip service and say that someone is forgiven, but doesn't this usually come with a stipulation or self seeking motivation? Truthfully, we don't want to face the sobering truth of how little we understand ourselves, our own propensity towards selfishness, sin, and self preservation. This attitude of forgiving can only be summoned by a drive that is not found on its own in human nature, it is divine, and it speaks to us in a healthy way of challenging us to a place of allowing us to forgive and leave the hurt behind.

"But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life—to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son—how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night ‘forgive our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.’ We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse God’s mercy for ourselves. There is no hint of exceptions and God means what He says." -CS Lewis

In a very difficult time, as Christ was being crucified, he makes this statement about forgiveness that is both glorious and terrifying. We are all drawn in by the fact that forgiveness is offered to us by God. It draws us into a place of examining his words and comparing it to the way that we process the hurt and pain of life. We have to come to the sobering reminder of what forgiveness means both to us as we are forgiven for so much, but also for how we can begin to become an agent of change ourselves. We don't have to be defined by old patterns of hanging on to hurt so that we can use it for leverage or revenge. We can apply the divine call to forgive others and reveal the heart of God towards others. We find a new mandate to seek out ways to forgive others.

When Jesus offered this forgiveness, it wasn't done as a response to those requesting it, it was directed at those that were continuing to inflict pain, both emotional and felt in his body. I can draw strength and challenge from him in a way that changes me not just for the Easter season as we reflect on this, but for every day of the year. These words help to change me as I contemplate how much it meant. I begin to think of a new way to live my life. I begin to think of others first because that is what Christ did for us.

"Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come." -Henri Nouwen

So, this Easter and whatever traditions you incorporate, maybe as you enjoy watching the children or grandchildren laugh and run to gather eggs, share a meal with your family, stand in place for an awkward family photo, or gather at the church to hear the old old story retold once again, you can allow your mind to wander back to these words. You will be allowed entrance to a warm place with no remembrance, that has no recollection of past arguments, pain, or torment. May the power of forgiveness spoken from the cross apply its power in your life and in the lives of those that need your forgiveness as well. It's a reminder that I wholeheartedly need, maybe you do too.

"While they were actually nailing him to the cross, he seems to feel the injury they did to their own souls more than the wounds they gave him, and as it were to forget his own anguish out of a concern for their own salvation." -John Wesley