In his book The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus, Brennan Manning includes this anecdote, which is one of the most powerful examples of a “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” moment that I’ve read.
In the Nazi concentration camp of Ravensbruck, an unknown prisoner put this note beside the body of a child who’d been killed there.
“O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will.
But do not remember the suffering they have inflicted on us; remember the fruits we have born, thanks to this suffering – our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart, which has grown out of all this.
And when they come to judgment, let all the fruits we have borne be their forgiveness.”
