Thursday, August 13, 2020

Bible Text: “Jesus said to Peter, Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy- seven times”. Matthew 18.21-19-1

How many times is forgiveness? This is Peter’s question, is it seven times? The Jewish belief states that there is limit to forgiveness. Offenders will only be given three chances and after that you’re done. Peter here is trying to present a brilliant idea to surpass the requirement of Jewish law. But the Lord says not only seven times but seventy seven times. Therefore, forgiveness has no limit. We are used to unlimited, isn’t it? Unlimited forgiveness.

This parable is a lesson to all Christians to live a forgiving life. There is no limit forgiving because God is full of compassion and mercy. All of us are sinners who were forgiven by God. And we can only pay for our sins by forgiving others. The sacrament of reconciliation is important because it is an opportunity for us to tell the truth. Honesty and transparency are keys to receive the grace of God’s forgiveness. It take courage to confess our sins, but it is very liberating and will surely give us peace.

Those who are offended should also learn mercy and willingness to forgive. God wants us to be like Him to err is human but to forgive is divine. Let us be compassionate towards our offender.