Listen

Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Should I forgive as many as seven times?”

Jesus said, “Not just seven times, but rather as many as seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 18:21-22

Think

Sometimes we get tired of giving people chances, and, just like Peter, we ask ourselves: “How many times must I forgive?” It’s hard to forgive. It’s a tough decision, but a liberating one. Jesus answers Peter with one of his most original sayings. Today we might ask ChatGPT to get an immediate answer on the total number of times we need to forgive. Jesus doesn’t answer so that we can calculate the total in our minds, but so that we may see opportunities as infinite—like the sea, like the clouds, like the sand in our hands.

Just as God’s love is wide, high, and deep, nothing can separate us from God’s presence. Our God forgives us time and time again, waits for us, renews us, and, every time the sun rises, proclaims mercy to us. Go and do the same. St. Ignatius of Loyola said: “In all things, love and serve,” which is the driving force behind making amends and reconciling with others.

Karla Sánchez Rivera

Question to Ponder:

Who can you forgive today?

Pray

Gracious God, I want to be obedient to your call. I want to follow your example. I want to be able to say, “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Help me on my journey through life to travel lightly, free from burdens, and to place all my wounds in your care. Amen.

Go

Reflect on your own life: What role do you play? You’re invited to forgive and be forgiven.