19th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 11th August 2022 — Gospel: Mt 18,21-19,1
Develop a Habit of Forgiveness
Jesus teaches that our relationships cannot be mended or strengthened unless humility and honesty result in forgiveness. Peter recognized the risks involved and asked Jesus how he should handle them in the future. But Peter made some serious mistakes. In the first place, he lacked humility. He was sure his brother would sin against him, but not he against his brother. He thought himself to be perfect. His second mistake was in asking for limits and measures. Where there is love, there can be no limits or dimensions (Eph 3,17-19). Peter thought he was showing great faith and love when he offered to forgive at least seven times. Although, the rabbis had taught that three times was sufficient. However, Jesus reply to Peter, “until seventy times seven” must have startled him. For Jesus was making a point, “Love keeps no record of wrong” ( 1 Cor 13,5). By the time we have forgiven a brother 490 times, we are in the habit of forgiving. If we condemn a brother, we bring out the worst in him. But if we create an atmosphere of love and forgiveness, we can help God bring out the best in him.
