When I think of forgiveness, I think about Fr. Tom introducing us to Henri Nouwen, a renowned spiritual writer who often spoke about forgiveness as a process akin to unveiling a canvas. Forgiveness can be incredibly challenging but also incredibly transformative. It requires a deep understanding and compassion that transcends our human nature. Henri Nouwen described people as canvases, covered over time by layers of hurt, pain, and mistakes.
These layers obscure the image of God imprinted within us, making forgiveness a formidable challenge. Yet, beneath it all, we are created in the image and likeness of God, which holds the key to unlocking the true power of forgiveness.
Nouwen's metaphor captures the essence of human imperfection. Life's experiences—both joyful and painful—leave marks on our canvas. Some are bright and beautiful, while others are dark and heavy, representing hurts and wrongdoings. These layers build up, distorting our perception of ourselves and others. The divine image underneath becomes hardly recognizable.
Just as burn injuries create visible and deep layers of damage on the skin, so do the offenses and mistakes in our lives create layers of emotional and spiritual wounds. With a burn victim, the outer layer of the skin may be severely marred, showing redness, blisters, or even charred tissue in more severe cases. These visible signs are the immediate barriers that obscure the underlying healthy tissue.
Similarly, the layers of hurt and pain in our lives act as barriers, making it difficult to see the inherent worth and divinity within ourselves and others. At first glance, we might only see the damage—the anger, resentment, and mistakes that mar our perception. It's challenging to look past these "burns" and recognize the divine image underneath.
However, just as medical treatment for burn victims involves the painstaking process of peeling back these damaged layers to promote healing, Nouwen encourages us to engage in the spiritual work of forgiveness. This involves looking beyond the surface wounds, acknowledging the pain, and gradually uncovering the divine image that lies beneath. Just as a burn victim's skin has the potential to heal and regenerate, so do our souls have the capacity to reveal their true, divine nature through the transformative power of forgiveness.
By addressing these layers with empathy and compassion, we can begin to restore both the physical and spiritual wholeness, unveiling the divine image imprinted within every individual.
Despite its spiritual foundation, forgiveness remains a challenging endeavor. The layers of hurt can be thick and seemingly impenetrable. It's natural to feel anger, resentment, and even a desire for retribution. These emotions are valid and must be acknowledged. Suppressing them can lead to further spiritual and emotional harm.
Nouwen reminds us that forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. It's a continuous process of peeling back the layers, one by one. This process can be slow and arduous, but it is also deeply healing. As we unveil the canvas, we reveal the divine image in others and ourselves. We begin to see our own worth and beauty, hidden beneath the layers of guilt and shame.
As Nouwen eloquently put it, "I have often said, 'I forgive you,' but even as I said these words my heart remained angry or resentful. I still wanted to hear the story that I was right after all; I still wanted to hear apologies and excuses; I still wanted the satisfaction of receiving some praise in return—if only the praise for being so forgiving! But God’s forgiveness is unconditional; it comes from a heart that does not demand anything of itself, a heart that is completely empty of self-seeking". - Divine Forgiveness - Henri Nouwen
Forgiveness transforms our lives and aligns us with God's will. Jesus taught us to forgive as we have been forgiven. This divine mandate calls us to embody God's love and mercy in our interactions. By forgiving, we participate in the divine act of creation, continually renewing the image of God within us and in the world.
Henri Nouwen's metaphor of the canvas offers a profound understanding of forgiveness. It is a spiritual journey of unveiling the divine image within and around us. Despite the layers of hurt and pain, we are called to see beyond them and recognize the inherent worth and divinity in every soul. This perspective transforms forgiveness from a daunting task into a liberating and healing process. As we engage in this journey, we draw closer to God and reflect His love in our lives.
Dear friends, forgive me a sinner!
With Love in Christ,
Maria
Originally published in the Holy Apostles E-bulletin. Subscribe here.
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