Memorial of St. Clare, virgin

Today's Mass Readings

Sometimes the Church’s documents on liturgy, formation of candidates for the priesthood, etc., use legal language. For example, the distinction will be made between ought and must – the former is a preferred suggestion and the latter is an obligation. Today St. Peter asks Jesus a “must” question, and he gets a “must” answer: You must forgive your neighbor seventy-seven times.

Seventy-seven is not an exact count, of course, but it is a clever rebuttal to what Peter thought was a generous number. The amount means that we are to forgive perpetually. There is wisdom in this because this is assuredly to forgive someone who wronged us is the hardest commandment. However, as the parable that follows makes clear, we are more indebted to God who forgave us more than anyone could be to us. Because the Lord tells us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, how can we not allow His grace to perfect our forgiveness over time?

To forgive is the hardest commandment Jesus gives. His easiest is this: “Abide in my love” (John 15:9). If we are honest, we do not usually feel like forgiving. If we waited until we did we might never do it. Thus, we abide in Christ’s love which heals, converts hearts, and reminds us that His love is the source of our security no matter what trials we face. Then after repeated attempts to forgive, His love perfects our forgiveness.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB