Forgiving means letting go of the hatred and anger we so often carry.
Sunday, Sept. 13, is the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass readings: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35.
In some cases, forgiving others who have harmed us may be the most challenging thing we are ever asked to do — as Peter recognizes. Peter says, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” Jesus tells Peter — and us — that we cannot set limits on mercy or forgiveness.
But this raises questions, such as: Must a wife welcome back her physically abusive husband if he says he’s sorry? Should a business welcome back an embezzler and put him in charge of the cash register if he says he’s sorry?
No — rather, we are not always able to live in peace with people who have shown themselves untrustworthy or who cause serious harm to us or others.
Instead, forgiving means letting go of the hatred and anger we so often carry regarding these wounding situations.
It means
