Spiritual resources for the terminally ill and their caregivers: Father, forgive them

When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals-- one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:33-34)

The world being what it is, most of us at any time in our lives have people we need to forgive; we may even have people whose forgiveness we need to seek. And usually the approach of death breaks down barriers; everyone senses that this is the time. Holding grudges at a time like that seems petty, and longstanding feuds are often left behind. It is a treasure to make peace with someone before it is too late, or a regret that is difficult to forget if that last chance to make peace is lost. It is part of following Christ, to use our deaths in some small way towards reconciling what could not have been reconciled without it.