IS THERE A LIMIT TO FORGIVENESS?

 

Homily for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, Isch

Scriptural Texts: Sirach 27:30 – 28:7, Romans 14:7-9, Matthew 18:21-35

 

In the gospel reading of last Sunday, we heard Jesus guide us on the path of forgiveness and reconciliation within the Christian community. He did this by instructing us on the art of fraternal correction. He emphasized the importance of addressing one another’s faults with love and humility. Then, in the gospel reading of this Sunday, we find a natural continuation of this theme of reconciliation. But then, the focus shifts from correcting others to the profound call to forgive.

In the first reading, the book of Sirach reminds us of the power and importance of forgiveness (Sirach 27:30; 28:7). We are told that harboring anger and resentment can weigh down our souls, just as an illness affects our physical health. It reminds us that just as we seek God’s forgiveness for our sins, we are called to extend mercy to others. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual well-being. When we forgive, we imitate God’s mercy and experience the freedom of a reconciled heart. Also, forgiveness is the antidote, not just for the offender but for the one who forgive because when we forgive, we are liberated from the burden of our own sins.

In the second reading, Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans reminds us that we belong to the Lord, both in life and in death (Romans 14:7-9). Our lives are not our own; they are consecrated to God. Therefore, the act of forgiveness, whether seeking it or offering it, becomes an expression of our belonging to the Lord. Our Christian identity is intricately tied to our capacity to forgive, mirroring the sacrificial love of Christ.

 

 

In the gospel reading, we find Peter seeking Peter deeper understanding, asking Jesus about the extent and limit of forgiveness. The response of Jesus to Peter’s question transcends the numerical limit Peter suggested. Jesus essentially told Peter that forgiveness should be boundless. Forgiveness is not about keeping count; it is about forgiving without end. Forgiveness is not about measuring or setting a threshold; it is about imitating God’s limitless mercy. Jesus’ response encourages us to forgive not just seven times, but infinitely, as God forgives us.

In the parable that Jesus presented, the master’s forgiveness of an immense debt stands as a powerful symbol of God’s boundless grace. Yet, the servant’s refusal to forgive a much smaller debt highlights the stark contrast between divine mercy and human intransigence. The parable teaches us that when we refuse to forgive, we squander the profound gift of God’s forgiveness in our own lives.

Lastly, as we reflect on these readings, we are called to contemplate the unfathomable depth of God’s forgiveness and the reciprocal responsibility it places upon us. Forgiveness is not a mere virtue; it is a divine mandate, an integral aspect of our Christian walk. Just as God forgives us unconditionally, we are summoned to extend forgiveness to others, recognizing that in doing so, we participate in the very heart of the Gospel. Forgiveness is a journey that leads us to freedom, healing, and reconciliation, both with our neighbor and with our Creator. May today’s readings inspire us to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness in our lives, just as our Lord has done for us. Amen.