NOT SEVEN TIMES, BUT SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN
(A biblical reflection on the 24th ORDINARY SUNDAY, 11 September 2011)
Gospel Reading: Mt 18:21-35
First Reading: Sir 27:30-28:9; Psalms: Ps 103:1-4,9-12; Second Reading: Rom 14:7-9
The Scripture Text
Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, “ I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servants fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debat because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Mt 18:21-35 RSV)
Have you spent time lately thinking about how merciful God is? In one way or another we all have disobeyed and grieved Him, and our offenses, in all justice, do deserve punishment. But how has He responded? He sent His only Son to die for us. God offered us mercy, not judgment, asking only for heartfelt repentance and faith in Him.
The mercy of God comes to us through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Jesus gave His life for us so that we can always be assured of forgiveness. When God looks on us and sees the blood of Jesus covering us, He responds with mercy. However offended He might be, however much our sin might be a reason for anger and judgment, God’s heart always softens when He sees a child of His washed in Jesus’ blood.
That is when His judgment yields to mercy, condemnation defers to forgiveness. His mercy is for those who entreat it, who in their hearts deplore their current state and earnestly seek to turn from it.
Have you experienced the mercy of God? You know you have if you feel compelled to think and act with mercy to those around you (Mt 18:21-35). You have been rescued from death – undeservedly. How can you do anything but show that same mercy to those who sin against you? Just as our repentance ushers in thekingdomofGodfor us, so too does our mercy bring the grace of that kingdom into the world (Mt 3:2; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:16-17).
God loves you! He purchased you for Himself at an extravagant price; He traded the life of His only Son for yours. The more fully you come to understand what it cost God to secure your forgiveness, the more firmly you will hold onto the hope of your salvation. Never take it lightly. May it always be a source of joy and comfort for you.
Short Prayer: Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the price Jesus paid for me. Soften my heart so that I might take hold of the life that follows true repentance. Empower me to show mercy to those around me. Amen.