St. Michael the Archangel Church, Levittown recently issued the following announcement. 

You have likely heard the expression “the third rail” as denoting some sensitive topic. What does it mean? Technically, the term derives from an additional rail placed alongside regular track that supplies electric current to trains in some systems. At 600 volts, and always being “live”, this rail is obviously something to avoid touching. 

Informally, “the third rail” is used to denote an issue considered by politicians to be too controversial for them to discuss. An “untouchable” one that may cause same politician to suffer politically. A well-known example is Social Security. Any meddling here could prove disastrous. Especially when addressing our dependent senior citizens, a politician has to be wary. 

In the spiritual realm, one might say that forgiveness of others is a “third rail” topic for a lot of Christians. We all know that Jesus called for it to be an essential part of following Him. We realize that we should practice it toward anyone who has offended us in the myriad ways that people can. We admit that such a thing is easier said than done. So a homily on the topic might lead us to think: “Talk about something else, Father, and thank you very much.” But preach on it he must. 

Have you ever bargained with the Lord this way: “Listen, dear Jesus, You don’t understand. I bent over backwards in friendly outreach to that person. I actually spoiled them with my trust and affection, yet they went ahead and betrayed me behind my back. Really, now, must I forgive them?” I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Jesus reply with one word: “Judas.” 

Sure, there is injustice galore in our world. Its values are topsy turvey with what they should be. Sinners succeed where others fail. In Scriptural terms, “evil has its hour.” That evil comes to us in ways often small and unnoticed.

I know people struggle with this matter in the confessional. They tell me stories of the betrayal and hurt, and then they add: “I cannot forgive.” I try to comfort the penitent that they may be confusing their feelings with the objective act. They have to will forgiveness for the offender as Jesus directs us. He might add “Remember that I called Judas ‘friend’ right before his blistering kiss of betrayal.” 

When we are guilty of betraying Jesus through our sins, we can be consoled by the words of today’s Responsorial: “The Lord is slow to anger and rich in compassion.” Would that we could act the same! 

No doubt, it is a burden to live with hurt. It is a true cross. But carry it we must, if only to understand just a little of the weight of the Cross Jesus carried. Trust always that He knows the pain we have and He will not only refresh us here below, but lift it away in His heaven to come. 

A man named John Oglethorpe, a member of Parliament and the founder of the colony of Georgia, happened one day to be talking to John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church. Oglethorpe boasted “I never forgive anyone.” To which Mr. Wesley sagely replied: “Then, Sir, I hope that you never sin.”

Original source can be found here.