A few months ago I was working with a client who was going through a major life challenge. She and her husband were facing some deep seated patterns that led them away from love and into anger, depression, and anxiety. They were facing the real possibility of divorce and she was brokenhearted. I remember sharing with her that Christ dwells within the human person, and given this, he is always present, living inside of her. She pondered what I said for a few moments, then casting her eyes to the ground she said “That’s a scary thought.”
At the root of her comment was a belief that God was “out there”, in some far off place casting judgement and punishment to the evil doers of the world – herself included. She had sinned and she believed she was unforgivable. She couldn’t forgive herself or allow God’s forgiveness to enter into her heart. Without forgiveness she not only felt unloved by God, she couldn’t see that he dwells within her. During this painful time in her life, when she deeply needed God’s comfort, she felt isolated and alone. Instead of reaching inward to him, she fell deeper into her depression and shame. Maybe you or a loved one can relate?
The Cross Changed Everything
With Jesus Christ everything changed. No longer is God’s temple “out there”, at some physical location where “money-changers” can pollute the space. Jesus claimed authority over that when he tore down that worldly temple. All worldly temples were destroyed when Jesus died on the cross and rose again. A new and everlasting temple was established, a temple that dwells within the human person.
Jesus Christ, the new temple, rose on the third day – just like he said he would. We also rise with him because we are part of his body. As Paul says in today’s second reading “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” God now lives in us and we live in God, there is no separation. Yet, we can choose to deny the truth of God’s indwelling and thus limit our fruitfulness.
We are invited to become like the fruitful temple Ezekiel saw in his vision, with flowing waters that give life. Our temple was created to produce fruit and life for the world. However, before we can become a temple full of life giving waters we must surrender in humility to our Triune God. Humility opens a door in our interior that invites God’s grace in. Then, like Paul who proclaimed that every spiritual gift he had was a result of God’s grace, we can open to the goodness God has for us.
Forgiveness and Our Thoughts
I believe that forgiveness of self and others is the key into right prayer with God. As Jesus tells us, we are to settle our disputes with one another before we go to the judge. (Matthew 5:25) Yet, let’s face it, all too often we allow unforgiving thoughts to run wild in our minds. I understand that forgiveness can be hard, I struggle with that one too. Many times my prayer has been “God help me to forgive like you desire.” Then as I move into forgiveness and find myself moving into deeper prayer and communion with God. When we step into forgiveness our temple opens in greater measure to God’s love and life giving waters. Growing in forgiveness certainly has its rewards.
So, how can we forgive and become a temple flowing with life giving waters? Specifically, how can we forgive those hard to forgive people in our lives? Well, first, I like to look at the individuals who have hurt me and know that Christ dwells within them. Yet, they have experienced their share of wounds in the world that have caused them pain. Out of this pain they have hurt me – only hurt people hurt others. Like myself, they have suffered wounds that made them forget how precious and holy their temple is. I am sure when they were a newborn baby they just wanted to love and be loved in return. Their wounds caused them to experience a false separation from God, which in turn lead them lose touch with the indwelling God shares with them.
Humility and Forgiveness
Then an examination of our thoughts is helpful. Are we full of “murderous” thoughts like Saul? Or are we full of truth filled thoughts like Paul? Are our thoughts congruent with life giving waters? Or are they more akin to a murky swamp? Perhaps somewhere in between? Jesus revealed the pathway into loving thoughts when he was on the cross – “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Forgiveness is our key to freedom and our temple yearns for it. Humility allows us to surrender to forgiveness, humility like Jesus revealed on the cross. If you would like to learn more about forgiveness I invite you to visit my website here: The Forth Face of Struggle: Forgiveness
Global Light For Christ (GLFC)
If you are struggling with unforgiveness (or anything else) I invite you to share your petition below. Our community, GLFC, is a group of sojourners supporting one another through prayer and love.
I want to thank all of you who post here. When I sit with your petitions, often in the Adoration Chapel at my parish, my heart is deeply touched when I feel both your pain and the love we hold for each other. Even though we are separated by space and time we are together in the living waters of God.
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
If you would like to learn more about my work and my ministry I invite you to visit my website: CarolynBerghuis.com.
God the Father – hold us in your Fatherly love.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – heal us with your divine love.
God the Holy Spirit – immerse us in divine love.
