To forgive you will pass through the sea.
You will leave much behind:
what is owed, obligations,
the heavy chains of your master anger.
Just leave them.
You will be tempted to turn back and fight
but that is the slavery you are escaping,
the lie of superior and inferior,
the cruel economy of deserving.
It is a lie. Walk away from it.
You will be afraid of being overtaken
and hurt again
but God’s mystery will protect you.
Go, on foot, through the wounded sea,
your tears a wall on your left and on your right.
Take only your love with you.
You will find yourself on the far shore
unburdened, free,
in the wilderness of love,
never needing to go back.
You will do this
seven times seventy times.
September 12, 2017