A few Lenten seasons ago, our church handed out a book by Allen Hunt called, “Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody.” I remembered staring at the teal blue book on my shelf for a long time, afraid to open it because I knew it would call out the inner grudge-holder in me. However, the title and contents of the book ring ever true – everybody needs to forgive somebody.
How Many Times?
Today’s readings reminded me of this great lesson as Peter asked Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who sins against him. Peter suggests seven times, probably thinking that was a generous amount. Jesus comes up with a much higher number, seventy-seven times. If you are like me, you are thinking now why would I continue to be friends with or trust someone who has wronged me seventy-seven times? However, that was not exactly Jesus’ point. His point was that no matter how many times you are wronged, our mercy toward others should be endless. Why? Because that is the same kind of mercy our Lord has for us.
Mercy
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. These words come straight from Jesus as He hangs on the cross while being mocked and humiliated. In Christ’s deepest sufferings and hurts, He still wishes to show mercy. How often in our own lives are we quick to forgive when someone wrongs us? Do we let resentment and grudges build walls around our hearts or do we offer up the same words Jesus taught us, “forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”?
Hate is Rejection of Love
You cannot get to Heaven hating someone because hate is the rejection of love. Our priest once told us “You only love God as much as the person you love the least.” Jesus does not ask us to be best friends with our enemies or those who have wronged us, but He does ask us to offer them our forgiveness – even if they don’t ask for it. Holding onto hate hinders us in our own journey toward Sainthood. Let us take advantage of this great season of Lent and receive God’s greatest mercy in the Sacrament of Confession while also offering the same amount of mercy toward those who need our forgiveness.
I enjoyed this reflection–authentic and relatable. Always worth hearing the exhortation to forgive. We are called to forgive even (especially) those who don’t ask for forgiveness. Thanks and God bless.