Gospel: Matthew 18:21-25
Then Peter came to him and said, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. Since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and to be paid. Then the servant fell on his knees before him, saying, ”Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.“ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ”Pay what you owe.“ So his fellow servant fell at his feet and begged him, ”Have patience with me, and I will pay you.“ But he refused and went and put him in prison until he paid the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly displeased, and they went and told their master all that had happened. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ”You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should not you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?“ And in anger his master delivered him to the torturers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brothers from your hearts.
Fruit: To forgive from the heart that person by name, who I felt offended me, and to ask God for this person and for me. And to think about whoever I have offended to make a firm resolution to ask for forgiveness.
Guidelines for reflection:
The example of the servant forgiven by the owner, but who did not forgive a fellow servant, is how Christ invites us to review our attitudes, knowing that the offenses God forgives us (ten thousand talents) will always be greater than the offenses we receive from others (a hundred denarii).
1. Forgive, but always forgive
In the ancient mindset, forgiveness was considered a human weakness. The weak, those who were unable to get revenge due to lack of courage, would forgive. Christ came and taught us the opposite: that a person can demonstrate their greatness when they ask for God's forgiveness on their knees, and that forgiving the offenses of others also bestows greatness of heart. A Christian forgives, but always forgives. To forgive today but not tomorrow is not Christian. Christ died for all of us, not just for Good Friday, but for every day, for all generations.
2. The King must settle accounts.
Forgetting this is risking appearing before God unprepared. The King must settle accounts. We are managing our lives, and it is mainly of these that we must give an account. And also of the way we influence the lives of others. The Christian is called to love unconditionally, and by the testimony of their life bring many people to the knowledge of God's love. How beautiful it will be to present oneself before the King of kings and give an account of all the people who came to know Him thanks to our work, to the testimony they received from us daily! Let us not lose sight of the fact that the King must settle accounts.
3. Forgiveness, but with all your heart
“I forgive but I don't forget,” some say. Love has no limits, and forgiveness is a manifestation of love. We must get used to always forgiving. To not keep grudges in our hearts that debase us, that make us stoop to a purely instinctive and irrational level. The example of Christ is very clear: He forgave everyone, even those who crucified him. The Gospel passage where our Lord teaches us that the repentant sinner, by demonstrating great love in her repentance, was forgiven much, is eloquent. Love and forgiveness go together. Therefore, today's invitation is to forgive, but to forgive from the heart. To practice love through sincere forgiveness, without grudges or bitterness. Surely it is very difficult to forget, but forgiving should not be.
Purpose: If I haven't already, I'm going to confession this week to strengthen my friendship with Christ and heal the wounds of my soul caused by sin, which offends Him, my companion for this life and eternity.
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