HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 5TH MARCH 2024

HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 5TH MARCH 2024

Daniel 3:2, 11-20; Ps.25; Matt. 18:21-35

Let Go and Let God

With the Jewish law of revenge that was invoke (an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth), Peter probably expected to be commended by Jesus when he suggested that a neighbour could be forgiven seven times. In such case, one is to keep count of the number of times he forgives people (maybe even create a register and mark accordingly).

Jesus’ answer of seventy times seven does not mean an increase in number count but that forgiveness should not be limited.  Again, Jesus teaches us how we can be perfect as His Father is perfect. Since God forgives us, we should forgive others. This means that it is the mercy that we have experienced from God that we should show to others. God forgives us graciously and unconditionally with no strings attached. One who has really experienced the mercy of God cannot but be moved to do likewise to others. God wants each and every one of us to experience the depth of His mercy; for unless we experience the mercy of God, we have not known him and so cannot proudly say He is our Father.

We all probably have at least one relationship in which the memory of an un-forgiven hurt continues to linger and prevents us from fully loving some persons. We can bring such memories before God in prayer and ask for the grace to forgive.

Just as our sins cannot reduce God, so also is God able to recover us from any loss or pain that was caused us by our offenders. Our world will not be livable without forgiveness. Forgiveness brings peace to the soul. It preaches the goodnews to the offender in a manner that words would not have been able to do.

We cannot always determine how people will act towards us but we can choose how to react to their actions. Choosing to forgive is choosing to preach the gospel even when it is most difficult. Beloved, let go and let God.