The Portal Archive October 2011 | Page 15

THE
P RTAL
October 2011
Page 15
Reviews
by Laura Magson
Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach
by R. Scott Hurd
Publisher: Pauline Books & Media ISBN: 978-08198-2691-6
“A Lovely
Idea” is the title of the first chapter of “Forgiveness: A Catholic
Approach”. It then goes on to tell us that there are many who believe it is anything
but! They don’t see the point of forgiveness, think it’s not fair, that they don’t need to forgive, or they simply
don’t want to. There are those for whom it has never gone beyond an idea; they want to forgive in theory (or
at least feel they ought to), but don’t really know what it means, think it is the preserve of the exceptionally
holy, that they are not capable themselves, or just have no idea how go about it.
This book provides realistic solutions to all those difficulties. The first section, “Why Forgive?” tells us why we
are called to forgiveness, how in a failure to forgive we are denying ourselves God’s forgiveness, are damaging
our own health and relationships, and how the forgiveness of others is a form of evangelisation.
In Part 2, “Hallmarks of Forgiveness”, Fr Hurd explains what true forgiveness actually is, and, just as
importantly, what it isn’t. He tells us that to forgive like God we must do it without condition or limits,
while refuting a number of common misconceptions. He explains that real forgiveness is not supposed to
be fair, it does not mean forgetting, it is not a denial of what has happened or “letting them off the hook”;
that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, that we are allowed to be angry, and that turning the other cheek
does not mean going out looking for people to slap us!
In the section entitled “How to Forgive” Fr Hurd acknowledges that forgiveness does not come naturally,
that it is difficult and can often seem impossible. He convinces us, with inspiring real-life stories, that given
time, forgiveness is possible, no matter what the offence. This section gives practical steps and alternative ways
of thinking, that can help us to begin to forgive. For when we are not sure if we are making progress towards
forgiveness, we are given a series of signs in our behaviour and feelings to look for, that will let us know whether
we are moving forward.
The appendix consists of ten practical steps towards forgiveness; in
it Fr Hurd describes forgiveness as a journey. This book allows us to
see that although that journey is not an easy one, it has a destination
we want to get to, and, with Jesus’ help, it is always possible. And
here we are provided with a wise and clear instruction manual of
how make it.
On the Feast of Michaelmas His Eminance Cardinal William Levada spent the morning with the Ordinariate clergy and others at
Allen Hall seminary in London before being the Principal Celebrant at Mass ... after which everone enjoyed lunch in the sunshine
with the staff of Allen Hall seminary, as the clergy prepare to begin the First Semester or their Ongoing Formation programme
Photographs - left: Fr Edwin Barnes - bishedwins.blogspot.com - right: © Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham