Let’s Forgive Each Other as God Forgives Us Always

Readings: 1st: Dan 3:25. 34-43; Ps: 24; Gos: Mt 18, 21-35

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.   

Greeting brothers and Sisters,

As I promised you yesterday, I will continue to remain here in the presence of the blessed Sacrament in prayers until something great happens. And most important, I will bless you each day with the Most Holy Sacrament until the doors of our churches are opened.

As we continue our journey this Lenten season, today’s Gospel (Mt 18:21-22) speaks to us about the need for pardon or forgiveness. From my own personal experience, I know that it is not easy to forgive. This is because, certain grief and pain continue to burn in the heart like acid. The more we harbor them they more they hurt us

There are people who say, “I forgive, but I do not forget!” Rancor, tensions, diverse opinions, insults, offenses, provocations, all renders pardon and reconciliation difficult. Unfortunately, the inability to forgive hurts one more.

Peter asks, “How often should I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?” Jesus answered him: “Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times!” The number seven indicates perfection. In this case, it was synonymous with always. That is, seventy times always! So, this simply means that, there is no proportion between the pardon which we receive from God and the pardon which we should offer to others.

So, this season of Lent, let us come to God in humility with all the burdens we bear in our hearts against one another. Let us off load them before Christ and walk away joyfully. Let us continue to as God to heal us of the injuries we have sustained from the hurt others have done us, and due to our unforgiving heart.

Peace be with you all

Maranatha

Amen