A friend recently shared with me the following story.
He was, some months ago, on a road trip with Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM.
(Moment of delightful appreciation for what it must be like to make a road trip with the good Friar.)
In a glorious non-sequitur, Fr. Rohr shared one definition of sanctity. He said: “You know, a saint is someone who has forgiven reality.”
Since hearing this definition, I’ve thought about what this might mean… to “forgive reality.”
Surely, understanding this definition could take a lifetime, but for me, now, “forgiving reality” means relinquishing my emotional reactivity (anger, judgment, pride, etc) as I confront any reality that appears, in this moment, imperfect or threatening. (It is my hunch, also, that I am able to do this to the extent that I experience forgiveness myself and trust in the loving kindness of God.)
As I am able to forgive reality, I am able to see more clearly, live more artfully, and respond to reality with love.
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