FORGIVENESS
JOSHUA 3:7-11, 13-17; PSALM 114; MATTHEW 18:21-19:1
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant may appear to be focused on money and paying off debt, but it is actually about forgiveness. So if you owe any financial debt, try to pay it. Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is gracious and gives.” So, try not to abuse the kindness of the righteous just as you must not abuse the kindness of God.
In the gospel, in response to Peter’s question, Christ wants us to forgive not once but indefinitely. However, Jesus never said we must allow ourselves to be punching bags. We can’t continue to suffer physical, emotional, mental, or psychological abuses, all in the name of forgiveness. We can forgive and show mercy without being doormats. Even before God, if we are forgiven and we refuse to change our ways, we are said to be obstinate. Anyone who enjoys forgiveness must change his ways. The problem with the unforgiving servant was that he failed to change his behaviour.
Forgiveness is one of the features of spiritual men. Hence, an adage says, “To err is human, but to forgive is divine.” If we cannot forgive, then we don’t know God. Forgiveness is a test of our spiritual maturity. If you find it difficult to forgive, ask God for grace, look at the crucifix, and pray The Lord’s Prayer’.
Like the Ark of the Lord in the first reading, may God’s presence always go with us and help us to overcome our human limitations, so that we may come to the place of promise through Christ our Lord, Amen.
LET US PRAY
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
