(photo: Čeština, Mikhail Gorbunov, 2012) There are two scientifically validated forgiveness processes, and empathy of the forgiver toward the person being forgiven is the key in both of them. One forgiveness process is the REACH Forgiveness Process developed by Everett Worthington, and the other is Guideposts for Forgiving developed by Robert Enright. In both processes, … Continue reading Your Empathy Makes Your Forgiveness
Jesus Christ
Recognizing Hidden Anger is Step #1 in Forgiveness
(art: Hope, George Frederick Watts, 1886) Anger is a normal and temporarily helpful response to a hurtful event. As an emotion, anger can help us summon the energy to protect ourselves in a situation, or to hastily remove ourselves from a situation even if it means needing a burst of exertion to get past barriers. … Continue reading Recognizing Hidden Anger is Step #1 in Forgiveness
Resurrection Saves from Sadness & Despair
(art: Resurrection, woodcut print, 15th century C.E.) In his General Audience today, Pope Leo XIV explored the topic of personal sadness and explained how the resurrection of Jesus Christ can give us a hope that replaces despair. The pope's address is part of the the cycle of catechesis that will continue throughout the entire Jubilee … Continue reading Resurrection Saves from Sadness & Despair
Pope Leo Explains the Resurrection as Cause and Model for Forgiveness
(photo: Edgar Beltran, 2025) Pope Leo XIV had important things to say about forgiveness in his General Audience on Wednesday of this week. His remarks linked forgiveness to the example of Jesus Christ when he appeared to the disciples after his resurrection (John 20:19-31), and how Jesus appears without anger or desire for revenge, but … Continue reading Pope Leo Explains the Resurrection as Cause and Model for Forgiveness
Divine Forgiveness: From Faith to Science and Back Again
(photo: Vatican Media, September 24, 2025) Pope Leo XIV addressed the topic of divine redemption today in his general audience. Divine redemption is an important concept and principle linked to divine forgiveness - i.e. forgiveness of our transgressions by God. Divine forgiveness is an important topic within forgiveness research because many people in general are … Continue reading Divine Forgiveness: From Faith to Science and Back Again
The First Step in Forgiveness is the First Step
(photo: Muhammad Abdullah Iftikhar, 2017) How do I even start? What makes an effective forgiveness process different from one that doesn't have good results is that an effective process has needed steps, in a needed sequence, with each step defined in the certain way that it needs to be defined. Fortunately, scientists have done a … Continue reading The First Step in Forgiveness is the First Step
“…find rest for yourselves.”
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) The Western Goatsbeard (Trapopogon dubius) is a favorite bloom around our pastures here in Central Minnesota. It is a flower that you will find open around dawn and closed by around noontime. Today's Liturgy of the Word includes a Gospel reading from Matthew with some well-known words … Continue reading “…find rest for yourselves.”
When you know how important you are, you know how important your forgiveness is!
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) An amazing summer for wildlflowers continues on the oak savanna here in Central Minnesota. A patch of sage by the pastures does well every year, ans this year hosts a guest Black Eyed Susan. Today's Liturgy of the Hours and Liturgy of the Word again gives us … Continue reading When you know how important you are, you know how important your forgiveness is!
Forgiveness Makes It Real
(photo by Tom Delaney, Sherburne County, Minnesota, 2025) Summer blooms on our oak savanna here in central Minnesota are a sight to see every day now. This is a favorite -- Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea). The Liturgy of the Hours can be a daily routine of prayer that gives you something to think about … Continue reading Forgiveness Makes It Real
Live and Forgive 