Baseball... and forgiveness.

The following reflection by Larry Gibble about what baseball may have to teach us about forgiveness comes from the e-mail newsletter of York (Pa.) First Church of the Brethren. It is used here with permission:

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12, KJV).

Detroit. Wednesday night, June 2, 2010. The Cleveland Indians vs. the Detroit Tigers. The principles: pitcher Armando Galarraga (2-1/2 weeks Major League experience) and umpire Jim Joyce (Major League umpire since 1989). The witnesses: millions of TV viewers. The situation: a perfect game is underway and is down to the last out.

A grounder is hit to the first baseman, who tosses to the pitcher covering first base. Then there is the blown call at first base (the mistake). The spontaneous smile (instead of anger) of the pitcher when the umpire made the bad call depriving him of a perfect game forever. The TV replay (seeing the facts). The remorse of the umpire (after seeing the replay several times) realizing, "I just cost that kid a perfect game." The umpire's tears. Minutes later, the umpire's sincerest apology in the clubhouse to the pitcher with tears flowing down his cheeks (his debt to the young pitcher could never be repaid). The pitcher's immediate acceptance of the apology (forgiveness).

The witnesses: millions around the world. The replays of the event since then: provided by the news media around the world. The lesson: for each one of us to apply in our everyday living. "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Source: 6/17/2010 Newsline