Word to the Wise
Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 3rd Week of Lent - Tues
[Dan 3:25, 34-43 and Matt 18:21-35]Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "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."
Peter must have thought his offer was generous. Jesus has some shocking news for him. Peter must not only be willing to forgive, but to forgive often! This forgiveness may be for the same person committing the same fault or sin over and over again. This kind of forgiveness is very difficult to sustain! Ask anyone in a family where one or more family members may be addictive or abusive! Jesus seems to be demanding the impossible or the intolerable.
Each Lent I spend the season preaching parish missions. One feature of the parish mission is a "penance service" at which the Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered. The centerpiece of the service is an examination of conscience that is different from what most people are accustomed to. Instead of focusing on particular actions (e.g. "I was judgmental. I got angry. I stole."), the examination focuses on relationships and how forgiveness is needed between ourselves and the various kinds of people in our lives: self, spouses, friends, children, co-workers, professional people. The last category is often the one that catches people off guard: the one person she/he swore would never be forgiven! In each category, the congregation prays for the grace to forgive that person or group of persons and for the grace to ask for forgiveness! This puts a face on sin!
Reconciliation is a great gift. If we can heal and restore a broken relationship during Lent, we will have accomplished far more than "giving up" some cherished food or other consumer item! It may help (or frighten) us to remember that every time we pray The Lord's Prayer, we ask God to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Seen in that light, even seventy-seven times seems small! AMEN
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