Matthew 18:21–35 FORGIVEN AS WE FORGIVE

Year A, Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus a very practical question: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Peter probably thought he was being generous. But Jesus answers, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus then tells the parable of the servant who was forgiven an enormous debt by his master, yet refused to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant.

The message is clear and powerful. God has forgiven us far more than we often realize. Each of us has received mercy, patience, and countless second chances. Yet sometimes we hold tightly to the wrongs others have done to us.

Forgiveness is not easy. Hurt can be deep, words can wound, and relationships can break. Sometimes we carry resentment for years. But Jesus invites us to see forgiveness differently. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that the hurt never happened. It means choosing not to let that hurt control our hearts.

When we refuse to forgive, the burden remains within us. But when we begin to forgive — even slowly, even imperfectly — our hearts become lighter and freer.

Lent is a season of mercy. As we ask God for forgiveness in prayer and in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are also invited to extend that same mercy to others. The forgiveness we receive from God becomes the forgiveness we offer to one another. Sometimes the first step is simply praying for the person who hurt us. That prayer begins to soften our hearts and allows God to do His healing work within us.

Question to Ponder: Is there someone in my life whom I need to begin forgiving so that my heart can experience God’s peace?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo