The gospel passage assigned this Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time does not intend to teach us economy nor encourage us to pay our debts. It is rather about relationship with our brothers and sisters, and with God. It challenges and inspires us for spiritual growth.
The first thing that comes to my mind after reading today’s gospel is forgiveness. Limitless forgiveness is an essential element of our relationship with God and each other. The gospel strongly encourages us to forgive others because God forgives us much more than we can even imagine. An authentic forgiveness of those who sinned against us is necessary to receive forgiveness from God, and to honestly pray “Our Father.” In fact, forgiveness to others is the only condition I ask people who are coming to confession before I give them absolution. It is a “must” before receiving God’s forgiveness for our wrongdoings and mistakes. We are encouraged to forgive even if it is hard to do so. Otherwise, we will be similar to that “wicked servant” from today’s parable, who received a huge forgiveness of his debt but was not able to forgive a little debt of his co-servant.
Today’s gospel links God’s forgiveness with our forgiveness. We need both forgiveness (God’s and ours) to grow spiritually and to enter the Kingdom of God. It is a challenge but this challenge enables us to grow in the eyes of God.
I am always encouraged when I recall the great act of forgiveness by the Amish community, who were able to forgive Charles Roberts when he killed their innocent children in school in 2006 in Pennsylvania. I am always inspired by John Paul II who forgave Mehmet Ali Ağca his attempt at killing him in 1981 in Rome. These heroic examples of forgiveness build up our faith and courage us to forgive those who sinned against us. Similarly, my faith is uplifted when I hear your own stories of forgiveness and struggle to reconcile. Thank you very much for your example and effort.
Peter struggled to forgive and was seeking compassion from Jesus because it was “his brother” who sinned against him. Indeed, it is hard to forgive those who are family members and suppose to love us. We do not expect sin but rather love and kindness from our loved ones. When they hurt us it is very painful. It is really hard to forgive them again and again. I believe it is easier to forgive our enemy once than to forgive “our brother” always.
Lastly, forgiveness is an act of my free will. It is up to me to forgive or not. Even if I am not ready for reconciliation I can forgive in the silence of my heart. I am the first beneficent of this act. An act of forgiveness liberates my mind and heart. In fact, when I forgive I first help myself. I cannot honestly pray and freely relate to God and other people when there is hatred in my heart. Thus, Christ asked us to forgive always.
Today’s theme of forgiveness reminds us about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a place and moment to forgive and receive forgiveness. I encourage you dear brothers and sisters to take advantage of this sacrament more often. We offer confessions in our church on Mondays during Eucharistic adoration at 6pm, and on Saturdays at 3pm before evening Mass. Additionally we offer confessions on First Fridays during adoration in the morning and evening. Besides, you can always make an appointment with a priest and make confession anytime you need. Do not hesitate to make us priests busy with confessions. It is one of the most beautiful ministries we can offer to you.
Fr. Andrzej