Forgiveness is a gift from God. All of us are capable of receiving this gift because we are forgivable. Forgiving people are joyful and spiritually healthy people. In the Lord’s prayer we say ‘forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us’.
We need to have a humble and contrite heart in order to forgive others. It is our moral responsibility to seek forgiveness when we are wrong regardless of whether the other party choose to forgive or not. Unless and until we forgive others from the heart, we will not be forgiven by God.
The Gospel reading clearly tells us that forgiveness can be revoked if we still treat our fellow human being with contempt after having been forgiven by the Lord ourselves. It doesn’t matter how serious a crime a person might have committed but if he is willing to repent, he is always forgiven. On the other hand, forgiveness is not possible to the unrepentant heart. There is no limit as to how many times one shall forgive, so we need to forgive without ceasing.
The first reading tells us that God is merciful and forgiving. God is not interested in burnt offerings of lamb for the forgiveness of sins. He looks at the disposition of the heart. Jesus shows us how to forgive others by offering his life as an expiation for our sins. Sometimes we find it difficult to forgive others because we have not realized the value of God’s forgiveness in our lives.
Jessel Pradeep Cutinha csc - Readings: Dan 3: 25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35 We forgive so that we may be forgiven. How often do I need to forgive? The one who truly forgives does not keep the count. If the forgiveness is measured, then it is not forgiveness. Forgiveness is not…
By Pritam Dangwar csc - Readings: Dan 3: 25,34-43; Mt 18: 21-35 In the first reading, Azariah prayed for forgiveness from God because the people had turned away from God. He pleads with God that he may forgive their sins and accept them as his children. The gospel reading speaks…
By Amala William csc - Readings: Dan 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35 The readings of the day invite us to be kind in forgiving others. In the first reading, Azariah, the priest offers prayer before God by remembering the promise he had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He confesses the…
Jessel Pradeep Cutinha csc - Readings: Dan 3: 25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35 We forgive so that we may be forgiven. How often do I need to forgive? The one who truly forgives does not keep the count. If the forgiveness is measured, then it is not forgiveness. Forgiveness is not…
By Pritam Dangwar csc - Readings: Dan 3: 25,34-43; Mt 18: 21-35 In the first reading, Azariah prayed for forgiveness from God because the people had turned away from God. He pleads with God that he may forgive their sins and accept them as his children. The gospel reading speaks…
By Amala William csc - Readings: Dan 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35 The readings of the day invite us to be kind in forgiving others. In the first reading, Azariah, the priest offers prayer before God by remembering the promise he had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He confesses the…
