Reflection
Gospel
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold,along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’
Matthew 18: 21-35
Reflection
Understanding Forgiveness
The parable of the Unforgiving Servant conveys a significant lesson about forgiveness. Though the details of slavery and debt bondage may seem distant, the core message resonates with contemporary readers: God’s mercy is abundant, and we must pass that mercy on to others. Just as the king forgives the servant’s debt, we too have been forgiven by God, and we are called to extend that same grace to others.
The parable takes a serious turn when the forgiven servant fails to show mercy to another. This harsh act is met with severe consequences, reflecting a spiritual truth: If we do not forgive others, we risk losing the grace we have received. We are called to be mindful of how we treat others, recognising that our actions reflect our relationship with God. Forgiveness is not optional but a necessary expression of our faith.
Lastly, the Gospel challenges the tendency to quantify or limit forgiveness. Peter’s question about how many times to forgive is answered by Jesus with a call to unlimited mercy. God’s forgiveness is not constrained by numbers or conditions; it’s a boundless grace that transforms us.For us, this is a reminder to approach others with the same unlimited compassion and forgiveness, reflecting God’s own boundless love in our daily lives.
Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader