“Then Peter approaching asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often should I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:21-22)
Just curious, has anyone reading this reflection been wronged or hurt by someone recently – perhaps a spouse, coworker, friend or family member? Seems these things can happen fairly regular, whether intentional or not! It could be something as simple as that inattentive driver on his or her cell phone cutting you off, or maybe something with more impact, like a hurtful or snide remark.
Whatever the situation, in Mark’s Gospel Jesus explains how we should respond to those who have offended us. Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive those who sin against us, and in His perfect wisdom, our Lord responded as He did. The essence of Jesus’ answer is that forgiveness is not limited. Even if a brother sins against me 77 times (or 490 times – Greek text could read either way), each time he or she comes and asks forgiveness, I am to extend a full, gracious forgiveness for each offense.
Jesus’ example of a servant who owes 10,000 talents is the equivalent of billions of dollars today. The sum was so vast that it was impossible to repay. Are we prepared to forgive as Christ forgave us?
