“An eye for an eye” – reprisals to seek
But Jesus taught, “Turn the other cheek”
Feuds and retributions seem natural to man
But with them, conflicts will never disappear from the land
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel returned to church this week after a long stay in hospital. He used the occasion to make a public statement to the young man who had attempted to kill him, and who had succeeded in damaging the bishop’s eye. In his address he called the young man his “son,” and said that he prays for him, and will continue to pray for him. He went on to say he forgives him, and all those who may have encouraged or aided him in his attack.
This “reprisal” is not what the world expects. It is a response of love, and one that can end the tit-for-tat cycle of revenge.
Padre
Padre's Ramblings 
Well written – both the poem and the paragraph.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great poem and piece on forgiveness. It is a lesson that vengeance and reprisal often do not resolve conflict. They certainly do not allow us to forgive and move forward either. In the case of the Bishop, he realised his attacker was not well and so chose to forgive and pray for him instead, a special thing to do. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person