Long ago there lived a certain knight named Hildebrand. One day, he received a terrible insult from another nobleman, who detested him. The insult cut so deeply that Hildebrand determined to get revenge.

He demanded that this enemy meet at a particular time and place to fight a duel. In those days people thought that the only atonement for injuries of this kind was bloodshed.

When the day came, Hildebrand rose early and prepared for the combat. As he was on his way to the place, he walked by a chapel. There was still a bit of time before the scheduled fight. So he thought he might as well wait in the chapel.

He went inside and began to walk around. The pictures on the wall provided something for him to look at as he passed the time.

The first image showed Our Lord being clad in a fool’s garment by Herod. Underneath this tragic scene, Hildebrand read these words:

"He rendered not evil for evil."

He looked at it for a few moments. Then he went on a little further, and stood before another picture. This one showed the scourging of Our Lord at the pillar, and below the image were the following words:

"When He suffered He threatened not."

Near this one hung another. It was the death of Jesus on the Cross. The inscription on this picture was the dying prayer of Jesus for His murderers:

"Father, forgive them. They know not what they do."

It was not by chance that Hildebrand had gone into this church on this day. God had led him in, and now His grace spoke to him by these pictures.

Like ice in the sunlight, Hildebrand’s anger melted away at the sight of these holy pictures. He threw himself on his knees and began to pray. He prayed for pardon for himself and pardon for the one who had offended him.

The hour came for the duel to begin. Hildebrand rose from his knees to go and meet his enemy, who was awaiting him. Imagine the enemy’s surprise to see the knight walk up to him, take him by the hand, and ask his forgiveness.

"Jesus forgave his enemies and prayed for them. Let us do the same," Hildebrand said.

Touched by grace, the nobleman willingly agreed. Not only did they forgive each other, but from that day forward they became the greatest friends.