“Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18: 21 - 23).
The Holy Spirit has One lesson for the Church this Sunday, the 24th in Ordinary Time. FORGIVE EVERYONE WHO OFFENDS YOU. NOT ONCE OR A HUNDRED TIMES BUT IF NECESSARY, A BILLION TIMES.
That's how God deals with us. "I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to." (Matthew 18: 32).
"Forgive your neighbor the wrong done to you; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Does anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord?" (Sirach 28: 2 - 3).
Sirach gives one further good reason to forgive:
"Remember your last days and set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Remember the commandments and do not be angry with your neighbor." (Sirach 28: 6 - 7).
God constantly surprises us with His mercies as the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday reminds us:
"He pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills." (Psalm 103: 3).
"He has not dealt with us as our sins merit, nor requited us as our wrongs deserve." (Psalm 103: 10).
"As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our sins from us." (Psalm 103: 12).
Ask for mercy.
Be merciful.
Completely trust Jesus for mercy.
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