By Akhsi Wary, CSC –
Readings: Dan 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35
The message we get from the Gospel reading is forgiveness. Forgiveness is one of the central teachings of Jesus. Jesus reminds us through this gospel reading that forgiveness is to be given freely and unconditionally. The very word ‘for-give’ shows it is for giving to the people who has harmed us and the people to whom we have done harm. In the gospel we see Jesus’ answer to Peter: “not seven times but seventy times seven”. This is the beauty of the teaching of Jesus. There are no boundaries, no limit and no law in forgiveness.
But later in the gospel we meet a merciless official who receive forgiveness yet failed to give forgiveness to his fellow servant. He failed to understand the forgiveness that he had received from his master. Our Lord loves and forgives us no matter what, no matter how often we sin. He always forgives us provided we go to him with a repentant and sincere heart. If this is the case, why can’t we, his children, forgive our brothers and sisters? What makes us retain forgiveness?
This season is time for us to reflect what really prevents me from forgiving others. Let us remember the people we have harmed and the people who have done harm to us and ask the grace of our Lord Jesus to give us courage to go forward and ask forgiveness not only in words but in action.