The Advent of Forgiveness
I should know by now. I make plans and lo, God has something totally different in mind…
My Advent began as I intended. Armed with Sister Theresa’s Memento Mori: An Advent Companion*, I was set on reflecting on the Last Things in light of the coming of the Messiah. The art, the Scripture meditations, the journal reflections, all drew me in. But something else was competing with my attention. A wee angel that graced the corner of my home workspace.
Her title is “An Angel of Forgiveness.” She came to me when I was scrolling through the newly released angel collection of local artist, Kathleen Safi. They were all lovely, but it was her particular expression that touched me. As I went through the process to purchase her, it was then that I noticed her title ~ Forgiveness. Perfect, I thought, for a perfectionist who frequently needs to remind herself of the need to be forgiving of myself and others.
So, she came, along with one of her golden tipped feathers, and took her place on the corner of my workspace. Advent began and she was joined by baby Jesus in the manger, a visual reminder to me of the “reason for the season.” Perfect, I thought again, an Angel of Forgiveness’ heralding the coming of the Messiah in the greatest act of mercy ~ the Incarnation ~ where God Himself chose to forgive us and become one of us so that we could once again join His Father in eternity.
Week One of Advent came and went, and so did my perfectly planned Memento Mori intention. Daily, situations arose where I could sense her gaze, calling me to extend forgiveness in imitation of the Child who came to show what forgiveness really looked like. It meant being vulnerable, like a wee baby. It meant being uncomfortable in sometimes crude settings, like a stable. It meant experiencing people where they were at, like shepherds who showed up unannounced.
Little by little, God was reshaping my heart. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you close your eyes to what has happened, or is happening. It might not even change circumstances or another person’s behavior. But, it does give one a glimpse into the depth of love that is possible where forgiveness reigns. It’s a love that soars on the golden tipped wings of angels of forgiveness.
*see previous post entitled “Memento Mori
Contemplation:
In almost every situation where there is judgment, of either self or another, there is an opportunity for forgiveness, which opens the door to unconditional love and mercy. Sometimes we are unaware of our internal judgments, but with practice, we can become mindful of the tension that judgement brings and choose to be angels of forgiveness.
As I ponder this, what situation comes to mind where I have judged myself or another?
Can I see an opportunity in that situation to offer myself or another forgiveness?
Am I aware of that “internal judge” and the tension that judgement brings within myself and in my relationships with others?
How can I make this new year an advent of forgiveness?
Want to send an angel to someone? You can connect with Kathleen Safi’s art, as well as her angels on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/KathleenSafiArt, on Instgram https://www.instagram.com/kathleensafiart/?hl=en, or on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/kathleensafiart/ Original angel art, cards, and magnets are available.
