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| Image Courtesy of Stained Glass Inc. |
For the past
few days, I’ve been mulling over a question: How do you act like a Christian in
prison? Then last night, while watching
the DVD, “For the Greater Glory,” I realized that each time a Cristero told the
man about to shoot him, “I forgive you,” that murderer didn't have a clue what
he was saying. The poor victim was
saying he forgave, for nothing…or was he?
Last Wednesday,
my “cloistered brothers” and I discussed “turning the other cheek,” and “forgiving
your enemies.” How do they do it,
particularly in their environment? After
an hour or so, no definitive answer was determined. But that’s not the end of the thinking
process. We’ll continue it, next
meeting.
It is
difficult, in my “cloistered brothers’” environment, because they can’t afford
not to have a macho persona. To anything
less, than the attitude that I can take down everyone in here, would be
perceived as cowardness.
On one hand,
being a Christian makes a big positive difference in my brothers’ lives. Christianity offers hope. It gives meaning to life. Trying to live in the light gives purpose, a
positive outlook, and a productive use of time.
Belonging to our community offers a renewed sense of self that helps
overcomes guilt. New relationships are
formed. Belonging to our community
provides practical and moral support.
Moreover, they feel that their self-control and tolerance have made them
better men. In community, my brothers
are striving to be good Christian men.
Meanwhile,
outside on the quad, or in the cell blocks, it’s business as usual, shouting obscenities,
swearing, gambling, drugging, extortion, sex, bullying, violence, etc.
Mix the
Christians with those not, and you have the Cristeros saying “I forgive you,”
to a psychopath, i.e., he doesn't have a clue why or even what you are
saying. Saying “I forgive you” could be
dangerous to your health. As Jesus said,
“Father, forgive them, they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Look at the beautiful stained glass window
above, courtesy of Stained Glass Inc., Jesus doesn't tell His tormentors He
forgives them. He prays for them.
I’m still
chewing on the idea of my “cloistered brothers” problem: How to act like a
Christian and not become a victim of the bullies. Forgiving their enemies would be perceived as
condoning their bad behavior. My ideas
are not definitive. I’ll probably post
about them again and again.
Some
passages in the New Testament have Jesus not forgiving unless the sinners
repent. See Acts 3:19, Luke 13:3 &
5. So why did the Cristeros say they
killers were forgiven when they didn't ask for it? Even if they were priests, they couldn't give
absolution without repentance. They
should have prayed for them, like Jesus did.
Following
Jesus’ example, forgiveness is for the benefit of the victim. The victim has been hurt and will feel anger,
resentment, revenge, bitterness, etc.. Forgiveness disconnects the victim from
these emotions, if he is blessed to overcome these emotions.
Forgiveness is a decision to not be a victim
any longer. Leave the exacting of
justice to God. Then by the grace of
God, the victim will progress and protect himself and others by not allowing
the perpetrator to commit more hurt. It
would be great if the victim could pray for the perpetrator.
One has to
master his emotions, releasing oneself from a lifetime of bitterness. Forgiveness is the best means of doing
that. Only priests can give absolution,
so don’t even entertain that thought.
Forgiveness
is for the victim.
This is
where I am now. Reconciliation is
between at least a couple of people. Absolution
is between confessor and penitent.
Forgiveness is for oneself.
Toribio Romo was born in Jalisco, Mexico in 1900. He always wanted to be a priest and was ordained when he was 22. But this was a time when religion was not only frowned upon, in Mexico, there were laws severely restricting Catholicism. The President, Plutarco Elias Calles was very hostile towards Catholicism. His anti-Catholicism fueled the Cristeros.
