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	NOTHING BUT THE BEST

The Gospel

MARK 11:25

[Jesus said:] "When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions."

The Media -- "Someone Like You" (Adele)

"I heard that you’re settled down, that you found a girl and you’re married now. I heard that your dreams came true. Guess she gave you things I didn’t give to you. I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited, but I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it. I had hoped you’d see my face and that you’d be reminded that for me it isn’t over. Never mind, I’ll find someone like you. I wish nothing but the best for you too. Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead."

Marriage was very different in Jesus' day. Therefore, Jesus never spoke about past love relationships the way we think about them. He never had the occasion to give a high school or college course on discovering romantic love and what it means in light of his teachings. Consequently, he did not speak about one of the most common situations that young people must experience as they grow, namely a romantic breakup.

It is generally known that people will not marry the first person that they "love." Granted that there are a few exceptions, but for the most part, the fact means that people will have a “falling out” with people that they once liked, even loved. This is the definition of a breakup. Many times the breakup is hostile and angry, and burdens people for a long time.

Jesus may not have said anything about breakups, but he had much to say about forgiveness. In Mark’s Gospel, he even alludes to the fact that one cannot pray properly if such a person cannot first forgive. Such a directive would include people that we had a relationship with at one time.

Adele's song "Someone Like You" is a statement of what usually happens at a breakup. The lady who has experienced the breakup is angry, upset, and even shows up "uninvited" just to make her once-upon-a-time boyfriend feel badly, it seems. But then she sees the error of her ways, and says that she wishes him well. In doing so, she is following the directive of Jesus, namely that no matter what the situation, we must work with a spirit of forgiveness. In a sense, the song is asking forgiveness for the lady's jealous behavior, eventually wishing her friend "the best."

Jesus' words that direct us to forgive others are never easy because his words cover every situation of our lives, even when others have hurt us in some way. Young people must be especially aware of his words when they are recovering from breakups; every Christian must be aware of them throughout their lives.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, it is not easy to follow your Son's law of forgiving others. Too often we are hurt, and want to get back at someone. Help us recognize our need to forgive everyone, no matter what the circumstances. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We may express our disappointment at the actions of another, but the Christian will always wish the other well.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Why is it true to say that before any prayer can be offered to God, a person must be able to forgive another?
2. When is forgiveness most necessary in relationships? Why?
3. Do you think that most Christians have totally accepted the idea of forgiveness into their lives? Yes or no and why?
4. As you study past history, what are the areas in which Christians should be most ashamed, and therefore seek forgiveness?
5. Although Jesus did not say anything about "romantic love" in his teachings, if there were one statement that you believe Jesus would say about beginning romantic love, what would it be?
6. The person in the song seems to be feeling sorry for herself. What are the things that cause this feeling most of all?
7. Why is "revenge" so disruptive in relationships?
8. Do most young people "get over" the breakup as fast as the lady in the song? Yes or no and why?
9. Text analysis: "Sometimes it lasts in love; sometimes it hurts instead." Explain the meaning of the sentence.
10 What is most difficult about a "romantic breakup"?
11. Spiritually, it is necessary to forgive the other after a breakup. Psychologically, what are the ways to "get over" a breakup?
12. In your opinion, what does "the spirit of forgiveness" mean?
13. Is jealousy always bad for a relationship? Yes or no and why?
14. What does the song "Someone Like You" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike