generalspeaking

Mea Culpas

Asking forgiveness, claiming ownership of fault and guilt, whether appropriate or not, appears to make people feel better about themselves. They're humble, they seek understanding. Their admissions of wrong-doing - even at a remove of a hundred years, a thousand years - for things they did not personally do, but which was done to others and for which they confoundingly have found personal responsibility, require forgiveness.

And throughout all Eternity I forgive you, you forgive me. William Blake

Pope Benedict has inaugurated a mass confessional for religious leaders of the world. He has acknowledged "with great shame" the force that Christianity had used throughout its tw0-thousand-year history. He made this admission of shame before 300 religious leaders from around the world - Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Taoists, Shintoists and Buddhists.

O Thou, who Man of baser Earth did make, And ev'n with Paradise devise the Snake: For all the sins wherewith the Face of Man Is blackened - Man's forgiveness give - and take! Rubiyat of Omar Khayyim

Each of those present at this gathering for peace that took place in the city of St.Francis, solemnly pledged they would dedicate themselves to the promotion of dialogue and understanding among their communities and between religions other than their own. All those present pledged to apply themselves to work incessantly against the commission of violence.

It is just that he who asks forgiveness for his offenses should give it in turn. Horace

"Violence never again"! War never again! Terrorism never again! In the name of God, may every religion bring upon Earth justice and peace, forgiveness and life, love", said the Pope with passion.

"As a Christian I want to say at this point: yes, it is true, in the course of history, force has also been used in the name of the Christian faith. We acknowledge it with great shame. But it is utterly clear that this was an abuse of the christian faith, one that evidently contradicts its true nature."

God never pardons: his laws are irrevocable; the mind that deserts its better knowledge must suffer. God always pardons; for remorse is penitence and penitence is new life, and returning peace.

This gathering was a "pilgrimage" for truth and peace. Delegates withdrew to contemplate what they had heard and pledged. This part of the program was one of "silence, reflection and personal prayer".

And perhaps in some small corners of the world, there will be sweetness and light, and a better place.

To forgive much makes the powerful more powerful. Publilius Syrus

Labels: Human Relations, Political Realities, Religion

posted by Pieface @ Friday, October 28, 2011