Yet he put into it something more. It was not enough to pray for them: he wanted also to make excuses for them. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. They are great sinners, yes, but they have little judgement; therefore,Father, forgive them.
We are to move beyond sin. Sin destroys discernment and the ability to hear God. What Aelred is saying emphasizes the need for purification. Christ made excuses for sinners, and we are all sinners. But, we are not to remain in sin and ignorance.
The Kingdom of God needs saints, who sin as least as they are able through grace, and who have knowledge, having moved out of ignorance into illumination.
Too many Catholics make excuses for ignorance. Sin cannot be an excuse, although Christ gave us that excuse. His Passion and Death removed us from the land of sin and death to the land of life and holiness, if we cooperate with grace.
This Lent, re-read my long series on perfection.
22 Jan 2013
Aelred of Rievaulx. Posted by Supertradmum. When in the monastery, I read much, again, of Aelred, especially on friendship. In his Spiritual Friendship, he reminds us of two things. One, that one must surround one's self with really holy companions in order not to fall away. And, two, that Christian community must be based on friendship. Aelred was ... Dedicated to St. Etheldreda: Abbess of Ely. Dedicated to St. Etheldreda: Abbess of Ely a blog since early 2007 ...
