Dear Friends in Christ,
At the time of Jesus, rabbis debated about how often the Law required people to forgive those who hurt them. The question was approached legalistically and Jesus weighed in on the
debate, making it clear, in Matthew 18:22, that the offended party should forgive the offender “seventy-seven times,” meaning in an unlimited way.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus offers us an insightful way to approach reconciliation with those who have hurt us. Implicitly, this process should lead to forgiveness between those who have been in conflict.
Sometimes, as we consider Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation we wonder how they can realistically be applied in today’s world. Not only is it hard to forgive when we have been seriously hurt but, it is also hard to trust those who habitually act offensively towards us. Simply put, forgiveness requires grace, humility, reflection and prayer!
Humility shows us that we are all sinners and fallen creatures who frequently make mistakes. We often do not act as we should towards one another and are inaccurate in our assessments of other people and situations. We suffer from distractions, fatigue, illness and other personal factors that keep us from seeing things clearly. In light of these truths, we should be generous in forgiving others as we know that we ourselves are often in need of forgiveness and understanding.
Jesus, who was completely sinless, freely offered His life on the Cross so that God would forgive our sins. As He died, Jesus observed the hapless nature of those who crucified Him, declaring, in Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!” Jesus was condemned unjustly to a tortuous death He did not deserve but forgave His executioners. For all time, His example inspires the Christian people in their human relationships.
As we gather in prayer at Mass this weekend, let us bring to God’s altar all in our lives in need of reconciliation and healing. Let us ask God to bring us His grace so that He may work within us and in our lives to make us whole.
In Christ,
Fr. Michael