Moving from Acceptance to Redemption

Recently, I was talking to a friend about the move in my own life from acceptance to redemption. All of us have some hurts that need forgiving. Part of recognizing the need to forgive those who have hurt us is being aware of our own sins that need forgiveness as well. Recognizing our own sinfulness is a big part of redemption and true forgiveness. We all need to be forgiven.

All of us falter in our walk with Christ, and sometimes we fall completely down or wander far off the path which leads to true peace. In my own experience, besides being way out in the wilderness not even on any type of path, sometimes I have believed that I was on the right path only to find out that God has so much more in store for me than my own limited vision. As we meander along life's twists and turns, the path of acceptance has been an essential element of healing but not the most essential.

It is redemption that brings beauty to the path of acceptance, an awareness of the profound Love God has for each one of us and His desire to demonstrate His Love, not only for us but for those who have hurt us. Acceptance helps us realize that we have been wronged and can lead us to forgiveness; redemption has faith that God will bring good out of those wrongs and always leads to forgiveness. Without the hurt, I may never have desperately ran for God's Love, for His solace and consolation, for His Loving Embrace. And for that I am thankful beyond what words can describe. Redemption desires God's Love to enter the hearts of all of His creation because of the joy He brings, because of the peace He gives, because of the Unity He Is. When we are redeemed, we recognize our own desperate need for grace and so the need of all of our fellow travelers.

Acceptance came for me from beginning a true walk with Christ, and redemption came for me by living the sacramental life of the Church. It is in the fullness of Him in the Sacraments that He opened my eyes, ears, and heart beyond my limited vision and into His Vision. Life in the land of exile is still a struggle, but what treasure is discovered in realizing His joy here in this place, His Kingdom here now amongst us and within us.