Article November 15, 2004 Issue

FORGIVE and move FORWARD

By Janet Clements

Legend Has It That Leonardo Da Vinci Was Once Painting A Fresco When One Of His Apprentices Annoyed Him With Some Sort Of Careless Remark. As I Heard The Story, The Master Artist Was Enraged At The Man, Who Ran Off.

But when Leonardo returned to his work—at the time he was painting the face of Jesus sitting at the table with his disciples at the last supper—he couldn't get it right. At last, he put down his paints and brushes to seek out the man whom he had scolded. When he finally found him, he asked for forgiveness. After Leonardo made his amends, he returned to the studio. His genius now restored, he went on to render the face of Jesus flawlessly, in a painting of such beauty that it is famous to this day.

I wonder if the life of Jesus is what impelled Leonardo to seek forgiveness. It's a life that teaches poignant lessons. Jesus faced injustice, hatred, and humiliation—and yet he openly asked God to forgive those who had hurt him.