The story of Jesus begins with the announcement of his coming birth to Mary at Nazareth. Angels later announce the actual birth in Bethlehem and that Jesus will bring a message of “Peace on earth to those of good will.”
Yet, when we normally look back in history, what do we often see? …wars, violence, injustice, and people hurting each other everywhere for selfish purposes. Yet, we believe Jesus knew what He was doing when He came to this troubled planet.
I like to think of Angels offering Him advice just before He arrives in Bethlehem. I am sure they must ave offered some version of “Don’t go!” Earth is too dangerous a place and people are just too hurtful. They may even crucify you!”
Yet, I am sure that Jesus response was some version of “Nothing will stop me from being with the people I love!”
Most important for us, Jesus offers a way to overcome the ways that we have been hurt by others and to move forward healed and ready for life renewed.
Life is a series of stops and starts, and knowing how to start again can be one of the wisest skills we possess. It is the key to a life of lasting happiness. Most of my appointments as a priest, after all, are with people who have been hurt in some way.
These articles will offer the path of Jesus to overcoming hurt.
- Forgiveness is not forgetting
- Deliver us from evil
- Gossip and Rumors
- 3 faces of Easter
- What if I get sick?
Click here to read Forgiveness is Not Forgetting
Please share, below, if you have ever been deeply hurt and how you dealt with the pain.
I’d also be interested in how your approach would be in the future after reading the article?
God Bless!
Father Dave
Have I been deeply hurt? I have felt “wounded” in my pride and emotions by what others might have said, done or failed to do. Two lessons that have helped me a lot and that I learned fairly early in life are first, if a person has an intimate relationship with God, even that person’s spouse (as well as friends, relatives, colleagues, etc.) cannot “break” them–turning to God as one’s best friend can get one through anything. Second, having a deep interior life can “dwarf” the impact of the events of this life that might otherwise seem overwhelming–and can actually give them a deeper meaning that can bring happiness and peace. I liked this article, especially when I read it some years ago for the first time. I had been coached by a spiritual director to “forgive and forget.” I couldn’t do so because of underlying circumstances that were out of sync and that needed to be adjusted–long, involved story. Your article brought conviction that there was truth to what I was thinking and feeling, and it might well have contributed to a final resolution!
I agree that a deep relationship with God and a deep interior life can “dwarf” the hurts and injuries that come our way. Having a relationship with God is to connect with what is eternal, everlasting, and forever. That will always overcome what is temporary, contingent, and small.
How is Fr. Joe doing?
We have not heard any news in the last four weeks?
May God bless you in the new work that has been given to you.
Fr. Joe tires quickly during the day, however, his spirit remains great.
Thank you
Fr. Dave
I am glad to see that your website is in full operation. I really like your article on Forgiveness. I have struggled with this issue. Are you going to be doing any public speaking in the near future? Have you seen the other comments that I have posted?
Cathy Culley
Looking forward to your articles and peoples responses. I just signed up so have not read your article yet on forgiveness. I will comment more after I finish reading your article.
Jean Lutz
Dear Fr. Dave
The questions you pose are very probative and while I would love to respond, I find my answers would be too personal to share on line. I would love to start an informal home discussion group with your essays/writings using the questions you present.
Regards & looking to more articles
Anyone can always reach me also at daveheney@gmail.com
Fr Dave-
I appreciate your thoughts on forgiveness! And it is truly something we have to work on daily in our lives. I keep as one of my daily prayers to work on!
Best wishes –
Yes, forgiveness is a challenge. I hope you will download my article on Forgiveness at my website at daveheney.com. I consider it one of the most important articles I have ever written.
Forgiveness is a healing for not only the person forgiven but also for the forgiver. Carrying a grudge is a heavy burden to endure.
Both parties benefit as does society from Forgiving each other.