The limit of Christian forgiveness (HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME AUGUST 2022

Homily for Thursday of the 19th week in the ordinary time

Theme: The limit of Christian forgiveness

Ezekiel 12:1-12; Matthew 18:21-19:1

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, it is an understatement to say that the world is becoming increasingly rebellious against the things of God. There is seemingly a concerted effort to displace, depose,  unseat and expel anything that has to do with the affairs of God. Society believes that it can do without God. 

The first reading from the book of Ezekiel speaks of the rebellious and disobedient attitude of the people of Israel against God. They worshipped foreign gods and adopted idols as their makers. God tells prophet Ezekiel: Mortal, you are living amid a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house” (Ezek 12:2-3). However, God in his infinite mercy and kindness sent the prophet Ezekiel to the house of Israel with a message of repentance. Dramatically notifying them what will be the consequence of their action if they persist in their evil doings. Ezekiel was required by God to proceed in an emigrant attire, carrying baggage for migration and exit his home in the sight of men through a hole in the wall (Ezek 12:3-6). This was symbolic of the approaching deportation of the population of Jerusalem. Friends in Christ, the psalmist encourages us in the following words: “never forget the deeds of the Lord” (Psalm 77:7). May we never be insensitive to the salvific plans of God in a world that is rebellious and disobedient.

In the Gospel reading of today, we heard Peter asking Jesus: How often should I forgive? As many as seven times? (Mt 18:21). Peter never doubted that we must forgive rather he was concerned about the number of times. For the Jews, an erring brother should be forgiven at most three times but Peter chose the sacred number seven as the limit of Christian forgiveness. To this recommendation, Jesus responded: Not seven times but seventy-seven times” (Mt 18:22). Meaning the act of forgiveness are not to be counted. It is not arithmetic but rooted in race and love. Hence, Christian forgiveness is without limit nor boundary. It is all-encompassing.

Friends in Christ, the forgiveness of God upon us is unquantifiable and without reservation. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son” (Jn 3:16). Jesus upon the cross of calvary forgave the repentant thief all his sins with reservation and said: today you will be with me in paradise (Lk 23:43). To buttress the limitless forgiveness of God, Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving debtor. A servant who pleaded for forgiveness of debt from the king and the king forgave him the debt. However, could not show the same forgiveness to his fellow servant who was indebted to him. 

Friends in Christ, we live in a world ravaged by an unforgiving spirit which had resulted in numerous conflicts and wars between persons, communities and nations. Jesus reminds us today that if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you your trespasses” (Mt 6:14). 

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, let us be merciful to one another as our heavenly father is merciful to us (Mt 5:7). 

Have a grace-filled day!

Fr Remi osj