Freedom Of Forgiveness

Great start to our Sunday morning in Malungeni. The delegation was joined by members of the community to celebrate Eucharist. South Africa is truly the ideal location to emphasize our Lenten theme of the “Freedom of Forgiveness.” At the time of Nelson Mandela’s release from serving twenty-seven years in prison, he challenged his nation to realize and embrace the fact that the only way to heal from the deep scars of Apartheid was forgiveness. We had the good fortune and honor to meet with several of the elders of the village, including the mother of the current Chief in the Malungeni community. I had the privilege of meeting her over twenty years ago on one of our earliest AIAIA delegations. In spending time with these more senior members, it was clear that their concerns are very similar to our senior’s concerns back home. They want a good life for their children and grandchildren, a life that has employment and educational opportunities.

The road to forgiveness continues to have very stark twists and turns. The vast rural areas of South Africa are some of the poorest and most easily forgotten by both the national and local governments. This sad fact has never managed to rob the men, women and children of their inherit gift of pure joy.

I bless this Sabbath with the same Celtic Blessing that the SJA community blessed the delegates prior to our departure;

“May you recognize in your life the presence, power and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference. May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that you have a special destiny here, that behind the facade of your life there is something beautiful, good and eternal happening. May you learn to see yourself in the same delight, pride and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.”

Peace and blessings for your Lenten journey.

James Cassidy, President AIAIA