Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
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.” As the day approaches when Fr. Maximilian will receive his red crown of martyrdom, as he has worn his white crown of purity, promised by our Lady when he was a little boy, there is no doubt that forgiveness was running through Fr. Maximilian’s mind.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells St. Peter to forgive 77 times, which in a way is like saying infinity! Keep forgiving because if you don’t forgive, all of the resentment and hate will be in your heart and the devil will play with your mind! Fr. Maximilian knew this; he had most likely seen the devil running around Auschwitz for the past six months he had been confined there. When he broke out of rank two weeks before, he said, “I am a catholic priest; this man is a father and husband. I have no one.” It has been said it was the first act of kindness probably ever at Auschwitz, and the inmates there just didn’t care. It is sad to hear that. Spread your kindness and joy wherever you go!
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections