Even those of us who are not Jewish know that Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. It is a Sabbath day that focuses on atoning for one’s sins. Jews are making a final appeal for forgiveness, showing their repentance, and making amends with God. But what do this day and its purpose mean for those of us who are not Jewish?
Atonement is defined as reparation for a wrong or injury. And while we all try to lead as righteous a life as possible, not one of us is perfect. We all have wronged others at some point in the past year, or even the past week, for that matter. And what could be more healing for us and for the person we wronged than to show our remorse and ask for forgiveness?
The anonymity of social media has made it very easy to say and do things that cause great pain to others without ever revealing our identity. And that is just one example of how our society has begun to accept individuals who shirk responsibility for their own actions. Sooner or later, the weight of those choices and actions will fall squarely on the shoulders of each of us. At some point, we much each own our decisions, actions, and the consequences they bring about.
As that weight continues to grow and become more of a hindrance, the only way to free ourselves is atonement. As humans, we all make mistakes that can harm others. But asking for that person’s forgiveness and then forgiving yourself is the only way to learn, grow, and move forward with a clear conscience and a pure heart.
So as you go through your day, this day of atonement for many, think of the people whom you might have wrong in some manner. Consider the benefit that you both could enjoy from putting a painful issue in the past and removing its weight from your shoulders. Also remember that any day is a good day to admit your mistake, express your remorse, and ask for forgiveness. And when asked by another for forgiveness, remember the courage it takes to admit to a mistake and ask to be forgiven.
Very good and insightful. Many don’t realize that it takes the bigger person to step forward and say I”m sorry, please forgive me! Yom Kippur is a great time to reflect on the fact that NO ONE on this planet is perfect. Continue to be blessed.
Thank you so much, Roy! Each of us is a work in progress and we need to remember that act accordingly. Two tiny words but often too much for us to own up to and utter.