Forgiveness

Gospel: Mt 18:21-35

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030524.cfm

A good leader is someone whom people desire to follow or be around. A leader provides a good example. A good leader is one you want to emulate or strive to be like. A leader brings the best out of you and challenges you to grow.

In today’s gospel, Jesus shows that God is that type of good leader. God is not calling us to do something that God is not willing to do. God is merciful and therefore we are called to mercy. God is forgiving and so we are called to forgive. In the parable, the king forgave first. While the servant was grateful to the king, he didn’t have a change of heart when it came to others. He did not show that same type of mercy to others.

We need to have a change of heart when it comes to forgiving others. Forgiveness should not be conditional. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you stay in relationships or communities that are harmful to you; what it does mean is that you should want what’s best for the other person. When we forgive, we don’t hold grudges or resentments. When we forgive, we are not consumed by how we have been wronged by others, we seek healing.

Let’s stop counting the wrongs and move toward the healing that comes from forgiving.