By Manoj Kulanthai Rathinam csc –
Readings: Ezek 12:1-12; Mt 18:21-19:1
Jesus invites you and me to forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts and for as many times as possible. Our Lord tells us that if we do not forgive others, let us not expect forgiveness from God and others. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy seven times,” and gave a practical example of how to forgive and if we did not forgive what we would receive.
In today’s world, everyone makes mistakes and seeks forgiveness. Both in family life and religious life, we face a lot of misunderstanding and quarrels with each other which can make relationships seem meaningless. We have come across many incidents in our lives where family/religious members have misunderstood each other and have not been able to talk and forgive each other. In this pandemic, it may have become worse, with more misunderstandings, and hatred among family or religious members.
We have experienced a lot of forgiveness from the Lord, and yet we do not forgive easily. Let us understand and be patient with one another and forgive wholeheartedly in our lifetime like God has been patient with us. Forgiveness heals, molds, and enlightens us. All of us go through tough times in our lives, and we need special grace from above. Let us seek the grace of forgiveness and be always the children of God.