Is forgiveness used today?

CNN reported a very unusual event that occurred at an Asian market recently in response to a burglary years ago. Several years ago, while the owner's son worked in the market late one night, a hooded man came in and took their money at gun point. The man handed it over based on his father's instructions earlier on which included "Money is replaceable. You are not."

This man who robbed them recently entered their store again; this time, he entered with another man and placed an envelope on the counter. The son, who happened to be working again, told them that they would have to wait for the owner to return, in response to them asking for his father. These two men stepped outside, had brief words, and returned to the counter. The envelope was placed on the counter again and the men just walked out and left.

The envelope contained the amount that was taken from them (about $400) along with a note admitting to his drug use and an apology. The owner shared his shock that the money was repaid to them. He had decided after the robbery that he was going to let it go...he was going to let God handle it and he was going to forget about it.

Forgiveness is a principle used in several 12 Step programs. In working a program, a person takes inventory of resentments, fears, everything during the Fourth Step. They then prepare, admit, and turn over all of their defects of character to the God of their understanding. This leads them to prepare a list of people whom they have harmed during their addiction (Step 8) and with Step 9, they must make amends for their wrong doing. This unknown man is working on his Ninth Step and probably does not know if he is forgiven or not. He tried to make amends.

Forgiveness is an underlying theme in our everyday world. There are plenty of opportunities every day to forgive...especially with younger siblings and random strangers. Let Christ inspire us through the words of David in Psalms to forgive others:

"As far as the east is from the west, so has he removed our transgressions from us."
Psalm 103:12

On The Anniversary of 9/11...

This September marks the 12th anniversary since the infamous terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.

In the morning of September 11, 2001, two large airliners piloted by terrorists flew into the Twin Towers in New York City, one after the other. After burning for about an hour, each of the towers collapsed, killing thousands of people. This month and particularly the 11th we remember the souls of all those who have died in the attack, and those who died trying to save others in the mayhem.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has a page on their website to commemorate the lives lost 12 years ago. It also includes stories of brave firefighters and police officers who responded to the attack on the towers. Please visit the USCCB's website here http://usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/september-11/index.cfm to view liturgical readings, reflections, and true stories about survivors. As faithful Catholics we should remember the souls of those who died in our prayers.