Scripture Reflection for Thursday August 12, 2021 (Readings: Joshua 3:7:10,11,13-17; Psalm114; Mt 18:21-19:1). Saint John Chrysostom explains that “seventy-seven times” was a way of saying “always.” Jesus was not giving a specific number of times we must forgive, He says that forgiveness must be offered forever and always, without limit. This is the depth of forgiveness offered to us.
This passage also shows the contrast between the human tendency towards forgiveness and God’s. Peter must have thought that he was being generous by asking if he should forgive as many as seven times. Perhaps he thought Jesus would be impressed by this apparently generous suggestion. But the infinite mercy of God can never be outdone. There is simply no limit to the mercy of God. Therefore, there must be no limit to the mercy we offer others.
The Gospel describes a vivid story. The man owed his master, the King and could not pay, begging for mercy, promising to pay all. The King, moved to compassion, forgave him the whole debt. After having received such kindness from the King, this man demanded payment from his fellow servant. Since he could not pay, he had him thrown into jail. When the King heard this, he called back the servant whose debt he had forgiven, rebuked him severely and put him into jail. Our Lord then goes to say, “So also will my heavenly Father treat you, unless each of you forgives his brother or sister with all his/her heart”.
Our forgiveness from God depends on our forgiveness of our neighbor. Our Lord taught us the same thing in “Our Father” and we repeat it every day. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. We are to ask God to forgive us only insofar as we forgive our fellow people. It doesn’t matter how or how severely they have offended us, our forgiveness from God depends on whether we forgive any offence against us. There is no love of God without love of neighbor – no forgiveness from God without forgiveness of our neighbor. It is a very challenging and demanding act.
One thing that might be helpful to reflect on if you are withholding forgiveness from another and remain angry, bitter or hurt, is that your lack of forgiveness does more damage to your own soul than to theirs. By refusing to forgive, you do immeasurable damage to your soul and to your relationship with God. Remaining angry and hurt only leads to more anger and hurt. It leads to vengeful thinking and acting. That is a sin for which we will be held accountable.
“How often would I forgive… seven times?” Jesus said… “Not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Fr. Mussie