In a Dallas court , Brandt Jean, whose brother was slain by off-duty officer Amber Guyger, publicly forgave his brother’s killer. He revealed that this decision was prompted by his Christian faith. This act astonished those who witnessed it and certainly was an unexpected turn of events considering the details of the trial. And yet as Christians this total forgiveness is exactly what we are all called to show by Our Lord every day of our lives.
The virtue of forgiveness is a rare thing to see in our time. Jean’s beautiful display of Christian charity illustrates the power that forgiveness has over the human heart and serves as an example of the effect of the Gospel in the world. By imitating Christ we are truly transformed, and we dispose ourselves to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Only by changing our own hearts, and loving others with the love of Jesus Christ, can we truly reflect His love into our society and into the world.
In this lesson your students will:
- Learn what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches about forgiveness and conversion of heart.
- Explore Christ’s requirement of forgiveness in the parable of the unforgiving servant.
- Discuss the powerful effect of forgiveness in the trial of Amber Guygers.
- Evaluate how showing the forgiveness that Christ requires of us can change our lives and the lives of those around us.
