September 17, 2023 Reflection

Forgive, as you have been forgiven

 In today’s Gospel from Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus teaches about forgiveness and mercy. In this passage, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him, suggesting seven times. Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant.

The parable tells of a servant who owed his master a huge debt, which he could never repay. The master, moved with compassion, forgives the entire debt. However, that same servant later refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. When the master hears of this, he punishes the unforgiving servant.

The message here is clear: God’s forgiveness is abundant and boundless, and we, as God’s children, are called to extend that same forgiveness and mercy to others. The parable emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and warns against harboring grudges and refusing to forgive others. It’s a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and forgiveness in our own lives.