Generally psychologists are not known for supporting values such as forgiveness and honesty. If anything psychologists support what today could be called post-Modernism or moral relativism. So, I kept a short little article from Prevention Magazine (April 2005), and thought it was surprisingly relevant and worth repeating from time to time:
Forgive--and live longer
Self-healing can come through forgiving others, but it's not easy. Marc Ian Barasch, author of Field Notes on the Compassionate Life (published by Rodale, which publishes Prevention) notes that now you can seek help.
Experts say holding a grudge raises levels of damaging stress hormones. Over time, this can harm the heart and raise risk of depression.
But forgiving takes time and effort, says Barasch. Psychologists and counselors trained in "forgiveness therapy" can help by getting patients to confront their anger and understand the other person's motives.
Isn't it interesting that the "professional" world is finally coming around to what we in the Church have known for two thousand years?
"The asking of forgiveness and one of the holiest and sanctifying of these traditions, the Mystery of Confession and Absolution is especially to be employed during the start of this Lenten season. The true follower of Christ, committed to imitate Him, the Son of God, seeks forgiveness from those whom they have offended and forgiving those whom they have offended and confessing these and all our sins to Christ through His instrument the unworthy priest and receives the seal of absolution."
MAKING LENT MEANINGFUL by V.Rev.Fr. George Morelli, Ph.D. http://www.antiochian.org/1141239213
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