I don't know the entire story about what happened to Fr. Tom, but it appears the story he was crucified may not have legs. http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/blog/fate-of-kidnapped-fr-tom-uzhannil-remains-unknown/
this article gives credence to previous commenters about the Catholic church providing ransom....maybe it is all in progress....please God let it be so.
I think these people are far, far worse than the Communists or Nazis. Far worse. It seems purely Satanic.
I find I have to pray hard to find forgiveness and not become bitter. But forgiveness is never a one off.
Not just because He told us, but because , through Grace and His example He makes it possible. We go through the same door He did, with Him carrying us. I would say of all the things asked of us forgiveness is the most impossible, that I why it gets front listing in the, 'Our Father.' With men it may be impossible , with God all things are possible
Of course, in order to forgive, one must separate the people from their actions. The deeds themselves are unforgivable, but it is those who perpetrate them that we must forgive. Still not easy though.
I think in this God shows the way: Hebrews 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Let me say from experience it is harder to forgive when the offensive action continues and the offender is unrepentant (or sorry he got caught)! Quite the struggle...
Yes humanly speaking it is quite impossible. But one big plus, when we pray for those who offend us it does have effect sometimes quite dramatic effect , I have seen this from experience, it is quite wonderful. However I advise when praying for people linked to Satan to be careful and take precautions.
I always assumed you had to forgive whether or not they were sorry, but I found this Scripture passage which has me thinking. I must ask a priest about it: Luke 17:3-4 NIV So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says , ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” It says here, 'If he repents forgive him'. I must ask about this.
Good question.... If I had to guess, God would say to forgive anyhow. When he hung from the cross, He asked His father to forgive His persecutors ...and they were unrepentant.... Guess that answers it for me. When you forgive, if it doesn't help your enemy, it will still heal your wound. Living with anger and unforgiveness kills the soul.
There is a fine line in forgiving an unrepentant we are in danger of judging which is not ours to do although I can certainly understand what you mean I personally try to practice hate the sin not the sinner and leave the rest to the mercy of God. I love the line in scripture when Jesus said John 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!"…
Perhaps God does always want us to forgive. But perhaps sometimes He needs us to kick a little ass as well?
