Daily Reflections - March 3,2013

A SECOND CHANCE

 

How often do we give a person a second chance? The pedantic person will say that it is only possible once, as the next time we give them a chance it will be the third chance and not the second. Be that as it may, there comes a time when we have to put an end to repeated wrongs. This is not to say that we withhold forgiveness from anyone for their sins against us but we may have to end a relationship if the other person continually refuses to change or overcome a particular fault.

Today’s parable allows the fig tree another year to produce good fruit. This is a simple example. What about the case of a woman being abused physically by her husband? How long is she obliged to remain with him if he shows no sign of change? The answer is that she is not obliged to remain with him. She can, and perhaps even should, leave him and get herself out of the abusive relationship. Does the woman sin in doing this? Of course not! No one is obliged to stay in harm’s way, no matter what the situation may be.

Similarly, in many situations in life, it may not be practical to keep responding in the same way if the sinner shows no change in character. We have the right to protect ourselves from the harm that such people can and will cause if we do not stay away from them. St. Paul reminds us that unrepentant sinners are to be excluded from the community of the faithful. It is hard to cut ourselves off from someone, particularly if we have strong ties with that person. However, sometimes it is necessary not just for our own sanity and health, but for the sake of all those who depend on us. Jesus leaves some towns in disgust because they do not want to listen to His message. Why waste time on those who deliberately refuse to listen when there are others eager to hear the Gospel? Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do you find it difficult to end relationships that need to be stopped? Do you stay too long in abusive relationships?

 

Jesus, help me to know what my responsibilities are in my various relationships so that I can foster those that have potential and leave behind those that do not.