Forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection
It does not seem that long ago when I learned I had to fall to my knees more often. Once we do that, we can begin actively forgiving, even when the situation seems unworthy. Undoubtedly, embracing situations when the battle inside resists is challenging. Trusting prayer in grounded, deep faith makes the challenge less daunting. If you think of moments when you forgave, you may recall receiving grace that softened your heart. We should desire this grace to use the gift of forgiveness constantly. From experience, I know that doing so can create love, peace, and joy that endures. Allowing the will of the Lord to supersede life’s confrontations brings eternity’s light, beautifully glowing in the darkest parts of ourselves.
Saint Simon (Peter) by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Tine Reflections
Matthew 18:1-12 – Scripture*
Forgiveness
21 Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
23 “For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection – Forgiveness.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 18 Bible passage.
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Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.