Greetings on this the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Sirach 27:30—28:7; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35
Summary
The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion. None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.(Ps 103:8; Rom 14:7).
Reflection
Each human person is a precious being in the sight of God. Every.one.of.us.
Wrath and anger, these also are abominations, yet a sinner holds on to them. Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times? (Sir 27:30; Mt 18:21).
In Jewish tradition, seven often symbolizes fullness, completion, and covenant.
Peter was thinking he was being very generous. Jesus, I can forgive 7 times. Pretty perfect, huh?
Frankly, he was more advanced than most of us (yes, me too) as he picked a number higher than most of us would have offered. Tell me I’m wrong?
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus prescribes many pathways of forgiveness.
There is no one-size-fits-all. Not all people. Not all circumstances.
There remains the imperative to forgive.
And for us to choose the most helpful pathway to achieve that forgiveness – which will vary according to circumstance.
There is also the arc of time:
- Before the offense
- During the offense
- After the offense
Which correspond to:
- Disposition/Prudence
- Fortitude/Justice
- Horizon/Temperance
The better prepared I am, the less impact the offense has on me, and the quicker I can restore my horizon—and perhaps ours—to what is truly good.
Personal Reflection
So let’s start with Peter’s example. Have you forgiven your him/her seven times? My guess is you did (sorta) or tried (sorta) to or wanted to (sorta) but could not. Instead we turn to the divine aid to get there. You see, if we ask the Lord to help us be like him (PS 103 today), then we can do 7 and then 77 then everything and everyone. Eventually.
Forgiveness is a seed planted within us. Let it grow. Be patient with yourself. It will blossom. You just start with: Lord, I’d like to forgive…
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry