REFLECTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – by Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart
It is hard to imagine the kind of violence that took Jesus’ life. It is hard to imagine having spikes pounded into your wrists, and hanging from a crossbeam so you can hardly breathe. It is hard to imagine having people watch you struggle in pain and mock you as you die. It is hard to imagine anyone purposefully inflicting death on another person. It is even harder to imagine a victim of that pain forgiving everyone who took part in it.
What would be hardest for you – enduring the physical pain? forgiving the enemies causing you the pain? forgiving the friends who deserted you?
Who in your life has been the person hardest to forgive? What has been the most hurtful thing ever done to you? What has been the most difficult situation for you to recover from? What can you learn from Jesus’ example that can help you when it is hard to forgive?
© St Mary’s Press
Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart (1958-2011) gained her doctorate in education from Cardinal Stritch University and was associate director of early adolescent ministry in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Previously she served for six years as the director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska. She also established “Tomorrow’s Present”, a youth leadership ministry. She was a highly regarded speak and wrote many books on spirituality and youth ministry.
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