Today, I am thankful for those who teach us not to hold a grudge.
As I’ve indicated in prior blogs, the power of forgiveness is immense. So much so that Alexander Pope would brilliantly note in An Essay on Criticism way back in 1711 that the ability to grant forgiveness to another is a divine act. Whenever we are subject to the perceived affront perpetrated by another, we naturally feel disappointed, offended, and even enraged. In these times, emotion hijacks our brains, and we undoubtedly gravitate to seeking some form of retaliation, whether in word or action. Perhaps the better course of action, both for yourself and your ‘enemy’, is to grant forgiveness for the perceived wrongdoing. The ability to let go of a grudge, although exceptionally difficult, reaps numerous rewards. Scientific research has shown in numerous studies that forgiveness has a positive impact on one’s own physical and emotional wellbeing. The data show that individuals who exchange vengeance with kindness release substances that have fortuitous self-effects. These benevolent measures release natural chemicals within, like oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, all of which help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk for depression, and enhance one’s tolerance against pain. Altruistic behaviors have been associated with long-lasting happiness, fewer musculoskeletal pains, and a greater life expectancy.
So, yes, the act of forgiveness is both scientifically justified and divine. Speaking of the power of divinity, I’m reminded of an interesting act of reconciliation that occurred on this day (June 18) in 2008 in the city of Florence, Italy. Twelve years ago, Dante Alighieri, the renowned author of the Divine Comedy, was forgiven by the City Council in Florence. For more than 700 years, Dante was exiled from his beloved hometown in Tuscany for supposedly siding against papal rule of the Florentine city-state by Boniface VIII. While visiting Rome in 1302 to confer with the Pope, Florence turned its back of Dante, who at that time was one of the leaders (Priors) of the city-state, claiming he had misused, extorted, and embezzled public funds. Of course, this was not true. However, unless Dante paid a large fine within three days, he would be forever exiled from Florence. Worse yet, he would be burned at the stake as punishment, if he ever set foot in his revered birthplace.
With nowhere to turn, Dante travelled throughout the Italian countryside, to the city-states of Verona, Lucca, and Ravenna. While in exile, he began writing his famous trilogy about life after death. The Divine Comedy shared an imaginary depiction of the afterlife in Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Written in the vernacular (Italian) as opposed to the more traditional classical Latin, the book consumed his remaining days until his eventual death in 1321. Today, Dante’s magnum opus is regarded by scholars as the most important poem of the Middle Ages and one of the most famous literary works in the modern world. I would add that it might also be the first successful horror story ever written.
Perhaps this is the reason why the town of Florence celebrated its lifting of his exile so gallantly on this day (Jun 18) twelve years ago. At a public ceremony, the descendants of the Alighieri family were honored as part of the official municipal apology. Interestingly, a tomb had been built for Dante in Florence nearly two centuries ago, but it lies empty. Much to the chagrin of all Florentines, Dante’s body remains buried in Ravenna, his last site of exile.
Giving up a grudge is never easy. Yet, the forgiveness of another for some perceived sin is such a powerful force of good that shatters all feelings of bitterness and ire.
Ask yourself: Why do I live in Purgatory carrying such a burdensome grudge? I’ll gently remind you, that at least according to Dante, purgatory is not a fun place to visit.
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