Mar. 11: Can Hollywood Forgive Its Own?

Actor/Director Mel Gibson’s public indiscretions and offensive outbursts have been well-documented by the press.  Some wondered if he would ever work again.  In 2011, at the 25th Annual Cinematheque Award Ceremony, he presented an award to actor Robert Downey Jr. at Downey’s request.

In his acceptance speech, Downey made a stirring plea: “I asked Mel to present this award for a reason.  When I couldn’t get sober, he told me not to give up hope and encouraged me to find my faith.  It didn’t have to be his or anyone else’s as long as it was rooted in forgiveness.  And I couldn’t get hired, so he cast me in the lead of a movie actually developed for him.  He kept a roof over my head and food on the table…All he asked in return was that someday I help the next guy in some small way.  At the time, he didn’t imagine the next guy would be him…I would ask you to join me, unless you are completely without sin…in forgiving my friend his trespasses and offering him the same clean slate you gave me.”

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly

Father also will forgive you.  (Matthew 6:14)

Jesus, help us reflect Your Divine Mercy.