How often should I forgive

How often should I forgive

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Ezk. 12:1-12, Mt. 18:21-19:1. In today's first reading, Ezekiel describes two symbolic actions by which God intended Israel to learn a vital lesson. He carries his belongings through a hole in the city walls, silently with his head covered, so as to see the land no more. He eats his bread and drinks water in a state of trembling. These action parables fascinate the people and absorb their attention, offering them a period of grace to think and pray. However, they ridicule Ezekiel, he declares that his actions concern Jerusalem and the whole house of Israel. We may also need to look again at some people or ideas we tend to ridicule and question our motives; for we can be a “rebellious house” blind to the wider truth and to the consequences of our actions.

Perhaps the most difficult barrier to cross is the need to forgive our neighbour. How often are we obliged to do so? we ask with Peter. Jesus underpins this very challenging call with the parable of the servant who owes his master ten thousand talents. Upon being begged for understanding, the master gives a complete wipe away of debt. The forgiven servant then meets a fellow servant who owes a mere pittance. Though the lesser debtor pleads for understanding and a little more time to repay his loan, the forgiven servant refused but sends his debtor to jail until he repays the whole (measly) amount. The implied question is, how are we unable to forgive the debts of a neighbour who owes us so much less? The implication of His answer is that there is no limit to forgiveness and our willingness to forgive. Today, we are challenged by this parable to know the need for patience with those who have offended us. Here, we have the triumph of grace over justice. There is an image here of the gracious and generous way that God deals with us. Jesus reveals a God whose mercy triumphs over justice. Learning to forgive those who hurt us is probably one of the greatest challenges in life.

Love keeps no score of wrong and does not gloat over evil; may the Lord help us to delight in truth and grow in true love and forgiveness of heart! Amen!! Remain safe and do have a great day!!!

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