Word to the Wise
Thursday, August 17, 2017 - Thursday in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
[Josh 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17 and Matt 18:21—19:1]"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]
AUGUST 17 ST. HYACINTH OF POLAND, O.P.
The parable that follows Jesus' words in the gospel scripture for today can be better understood if one goes back to the Sermon on the Mount to Jesus' teaching the disciples how to pray [Mt. 6:9-15]. Note the words that follow, "but deliver us from evil..." "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions." The parable of the unforgiving servant follows yesterday's teaching on reconciliation of sinners. Forgiveness is a different thing than reconciliation. Forgiveness is always in our power. No one can stop us from forgiving. Reconciliation requires more than one person and includes forgiveness but also may require actions to correct harm or injustice. The unforgiving servant refused not only to forgive but refused to allow the debtor more time to repay a small amount. In this case, justice could have been done. In some cases, reconciliation may not be possible because the injured party may be deceased or refuses to participate. But the effort should be made.
How often must this be done? Jesus answers simply, as often as needed. I use this parable at parish missions for the "penance service." The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not meant to be the "sacrament of guilt relief." The "firm purpose of amendment" that we must show in that sacrament means just what Jesus says in the parable. We must share the forgiveness that we have received and redress the harm, if possible. As the "Lord's Prayer" says, if we expect God to forgive us, we must forgive others. Will it be easy? No. Does Jesus require it? Yes. AMEN
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