Father, forgive them
Imagine for a moment the harrowing scene on Golgotha, where crucifixion was carried out as an excruciatingly painful form of execution. Considered the cruelest and most degrading method of execution ever devised, it was reserved for the most despised slaves and the worst criminals. Why? It was performed as a chilling example of defiance and resistance against Roman rule. The victims, naked and tormented by unbearable pain, often helplessly directed their despair at the onlookers in the form of curses and insults. The soldiers and spectators present heard only words of forgiveness from Jesus: “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Lk 23,34)Jesus' plea for forgiveness is extraordinarily remarkable for three reasons.
First, despite everything he was going through, Jesus still spoke of his Father. It is an expression of deep, loving trust, reminiscent of Job's words: "Behold, though he destroy me, I wait for him; indeed, I will answer for my ways before him." (Hiob 13,15).
Secondly, Jesus did not ask for forgiveness for himself because he was free from sin, and went to the cross as the spotless Lamb of God to redeem us from our sinful ways: “For you know that it was not with perishable things like silver or gold that you were redeemed from your futile way of life inherited from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1. Petr 1,18-19)He stood up for those who condemned and crucified him, and for all of humanity.
Third, the prayer that Jesus said according to the Gospel of Luke was not a one-time utterance. The original Greek text suggests that Jesus uttered these words repeatedly - a continued expression of his compassion and willingness to forgive, even in the darkest hours of his ordeal.
Let us imagine how often Jesus may have called out to God in his deepest need. He reached the place known as the Skull Site. Roman soldiers nailed his wrists to the wood of the cross. The cross was erected and he hung between heaven and earth. Surrounded by a jeering and cursing crowd, he had to watch as the soldiers distributed his clothes among themselves and played dice for his seamless robe.
Deep in our hearts, we know the gravity of our sins and the chasm that separates us from God. Through Jesus' boundless sacrifice on the cross, a path of forgiveness and reconciliation has been opened to us: "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his mercy on those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Ps 103,11-12).
Let us accept with gratitude and joy this wonderful forgiveness given to us through Jesus' sacrifice. He paid the ultimate price, not only to cleanse us from our sins, but also to bring us into a vibrant and loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are no longer strangers or enemies of God, but rather his beloved children with whom he is reconciled.
Just as we were granted forgiveness through Jesus' immeasurable love, we are called to be a reflection of this love and forgiveness in our interactions with our fellow human beings. It is this attitude of Jesus that guides and inspires us to go through life with open arms and hearts, ready to understand and forgive.
by Barry Robinson
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