After many years of anticipation, I had the opportunity to see the Broadway Musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda in Jacksonville, Florida. I remember learning about Alexander Hamilton during my first semester of college in both a Political Science course and a 19th Century History of the United States class. I read some of the Federalist Papers, learned of Hamilton’s economic genius and about his fatal duel with Aaron Burr. For quite some time now I have been fascinated by the music of Hamilton and how it makes history come alive.
The musical depicts a heart-broken Hamilton after his young son Philip is killed in a duel. His wife Eliza not only must cope with the unimaginable loss of her son, but also with her husband’s unexpected infidelity. As she stands emotionless on centerstage, Hamilton pleads, “I know I don’t deserve you, but hear me out. I don’t pretend to know the challenges we’re facing, I know there’s no replacing what we’ve lost. Just let me stay here by your side that would be enough.” Eventually Eliza stretches out her hand and both husband and wife wander together the streets of New York City as the song summarizes the mending of the relationship, “Forgiveness, can you imagine?”
I could not have imaged before watching the performance that this scene would be among the most powerful. Not only due to the music, the acting, and the lighting, but through the sheer pain and the depths of humanity that are expressed. The character of Hamilton becomes real because it is possible to relate to him. At one point or another in our lives, we have implored either God or a loved one to forgive us for a terrible offense. We too have experienced how Eliza stretches out her hand to Hamilton when we have been forgiven. To ask for forgiveness requires vulnerability – it is always a risk because there is the danger of rejection. Like Hamilton, remaining by the side of the person we have harmed would be enough, but we have the fortune of knowing that when we approach God the Father with a repentant heart, He not only allows us to remain at His side, but He embraces us as His beloved children.
Gratitude is the only reasonable response when receiving forgiveness. There is healing when the offended party gazes at us with love. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the heart of the wayward son is converted only when he stands in the presence of his jubilant father. The magnanimity of the father is celebrated with a joyful party. I can only imagine the gratitude of the son.
At every Eucharist we give thanks to God the Father for the great love he has shown to us. For centuries humanity has said to God, “just let me stay here by your side, that would be enough,” but God the Father has stretched out his hand toward us in mercy by sending Jesus into our midst. God does not remain by our side, but enters our entire being, making us holy like Himself. A grateful heart knows it has been forgiven much, and that God is responsible for that.
Picture is not mine, from public domain. Click here.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In