February 21, 2021: Forgive Them –Michael Hidalgo

When Jesus pronounces forgiveness to those who have crucified him, he is, at the same time, accusing them of something. For if there is no wrongdoing, there is no need for forgiveness. Said another way; when forgiveness is granted, it proclaims the presence of wrongdoing. This is what we witness in Jesus’ words - he is crucified as a rebel, guilty of sedition. In our time, as we remember his death we hear these words as a statement toward, not only those doing the accusing and the crucifying, but also a display of God’s mercy to all humanity. However, if we consider the first readers of Luke’s gospel, what did they hear?

It’s possible they read this and understood themselves forgiven for the Imperial System they were caught up within; a system of domination, the Global Military Superpower called Rome. It was this system that killed Jesus; and he prays forgiveness over them as he is dying. Some may rightly question: “Is this anyway to bring justice to bear?” This question may arise as it feels like those who have been forgiven get a pass for their part and the system can continue. But this sort of thinking believes forgiveness and justice do not go together. We cannot forget “every act of forgiveness enthrones justice.” For it has the power to make things right - it names the wrong, it pursues reconciliation (where possible) and works toward restoration, while at the same time dispensing with the need for revenge. This is the power of these words: it exposes the evil and commits to undoing it.