I. Introduction

To forgive those who have done us wrong is not the easiest thing to do. Sometimes situations are so upsetting that we choose to walk away and stay apart, unable to reconcile or find peace. These situations happen in our homes, with our extended families, our neighbors, our friends, workplaces and in the broader society. It can be tough to overcome hurtful situations and reach out to those who hurt us. Even if we wish to forget, there will always be a trigger that reminds us of what happened. During Lent, the story of the prodigal son illustrates Christ's teaching on the profound power of forgiveness. Despite the challenges forgiveness may entail, its transformative impact remains significant.

II. My Personal Experience

Yesterday, while running errands, I thought about our theme for this morning and my sermon I was writing. I was unprepared for what happened next at a small store we frequent. The store owner treated me very poorly, raising her voice at me when I made a specific request for what I needed. The situation was quite distressing and embarrassing, and I addressed her regarding the inappropriate way she was treating me. The situation deteriorated when she persisted in displaying a lack of respect. I stood there in shock, and in a soft voice told her that I would not allow her to treat me this way, and that we had been coming to the store for such a long time. She then realized what she did and apologized profusely. I left, upset, shocked, and very mad. Back home I sat at the kitchen table and prayed for guidance and tried to recover from this ordeal. How do I preach about forgiveness tomorrow while dealing with so much hurt and anger? Something told me to call the store. I believe God's Holy Spirit spoke to me in that moment. I was told that she had left and would be back later.

Later she called me back, and I used the opportunity again to tell her how distressing her behavior was, but that I needed to speak to her, to let her know that that kind of behavior is not acceptable and hoped for something better to come out of this horrible situation. She was stunned by me reaching out to her, and with genuine remorse, apologized again. I listened to her as she was telling me how she felt; that she was ashamed of herself for what she had done. She left the store and went for a walk to reflect on her actions towards this person. She then expressed her gratitude to me, saying, "I greatly appreciate your willingness to contact me after my actions. You have bestowed upon me a significant gift that I will forever remember. You have provided me with a chance to rectify what I did wrong." Her response gave me an opportunity to tell her who I am, that I am a pastor, and a mediator, and that, even though I was upset and hurt, I could not leave this situation unresolved. I shared with her how important it is for me that we respect one another, to talk and understand one another, and that forgiveness is part of my life story. We talked about my story of forgiveness back in South Africa, how I learned to forgive those who oppressed me during apartheid, and how my parents raised us to love and show care for others. We talked and talked about different things, and about our lives, our backgrounds, the struggles we are going through, and the issues of today. We said goodbye, feeling so relieved and restored, and she expressed how filled with hope she was at that moment. I too felt the same way...

III. The Forgiveness that Christ taught us

What is it that Christ is teaching us in this parable of the prodigal son, dear members and friends of Barre Congregational Church? Why did this father have so much grace and mercy for his younger son who left him, forgot about him, and squandered his money? He could have shunned him, sent him back from where he came from, but he did not. Why? Why did the younger son feel he could return to his father's house after leaving him and his brother to struggle on their own, and live a life that was an embarrassment to his family? What was this father demonstrating to his older son? How did he deal with his anger about celebrating a brother who abandoned him to do all the work at home? These are real questions we must ask ourselves in our own lives, and in today's life where there is so much division, hatred, animosity, and lack of forgiveness. What was it in that household that opened the door for the reception of this prodigal son? What is forgiveness about, because it was clear that he forgave his younger son?

The essence of this narrative lies in the profound grace and compassion that filled the father's heart upon witnessing his son's return home. His love for his son was unconditional, and when the son confessed his sins against heaven and his father, the father did not hold that against him, because what mattered was that he returned. Even when the oldest son expressed his anger and laid out the sins of the younger brother, all the father could do was to assure him that he had enough love for him too, and that everything he had belonged to him. He taught his older son the principle of forgiveness and acceptance, of mercy and compassion. This father was prepared to forgive and accept.

IV. Conclusion

Before the woman at the store called me back, I was thinking of this younger son who came back to his father and found forgiveness there, and I thought, wow, what a story Jesus told to demonstrate the redeeming love of God. I sat there at the kitchen table and asked God to fill me with peace, because I struggled to find peace on my own after the ordeal. I could feel how God filled my heart with forgiveness, and I believe that out of such a horrible situation, God brought forth something new and healing and reconciling. May God help us all on our journeys to continuously seek and hear God's voice, see God's guidance and feel God's help in the most difficult situations of anger and animosity, thoughts of retaliation, and separation, to transform us so we can be filled with peace, and bring peace and forgiveness to those who need it too, and a world that needs it so much today. Amen.