Redemption

Today’s message was written by Guest Pastor, Chaplin Bob Griffiths.

Since retiring from full-time chaplaincy in 2020, I have been blessed with opportunities to continue that ministry in varying situations. One of the most meaningful has been to work with men transitioning from prison life to civilian life. It has shown me how God can help to restore criminals to useful, meaningful lives. Lives that bless and help others.

The latest is a 48-year-old man named Joseph. He was sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder while high on drugs and alcohol. While in prison, he realized what he had done, broke free of his addiction with the help of people in 12-step programs who carry the message to jails and institutions, and found God. As Joe explored faith traditions, he felt called to Catholicism and began to read theologians and was particularly drawn to Thomas Merton. He was released on December 11, and moved to my area. He asked for someone to help him transition and I was asked to work with him.  

Joe moved into temporary, transitional housing and faced many challenges to his sobriety and his faith by others who were waiting to resume their old way of life. We met two or three times a week and prayed and talked. His faith never wavered, although he was occasionally stressed by the behavior of those around him. He applied to the parole office to transfer back to his hometown and to his family on the other coast of Florida. As I write this, he just received permission to make the move, and he is looking forward to meeting the five nieces and nephews who were born during his incarceration.  

Joe and I have gotten very close – we refer to each other as brothers in Christ. I will miss him, although we will stay in touch. So here is the message: we cannot judge others solely on their past history. As Paul tells us in Romans 8: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” And the famous John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Joe is one of those who God has called and saved from his past and himself. We can never underestimate the power of redemption, and Joe is proof of what can happen when anyone truly turns to God.

For Joe and for all of you, this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer: “Watch over this your child, O Lord, as his days increase. Bless and guide him wherever he may be. Raise him up when he falls, comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful, and in his heart may your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of his life.” Amen.