Today’s first reading emphasizes how human error, sin and weakness lead to humiliation and even pave the way to become least among the nations. It is for this reason Israelites offered animal sacrifices to atone for the sin of the nation. Thousands of rams, calves lambs had to be offered for the same and yet all these sacrifices and holocausts could not suffice for the price of sin.

This is the reason God had to send His only begotten son, the unblemished lamb who was pure and sinless to pay this penalty of sin. The Lord Jesus Christ willingly offered his life and gave up his precious body and blood for our sake so that he would become the worthy lamb of God who would make up for the sins of many. Thus, believing in Him, the efficacious blood of the lamb will wash away our stains of sin, guilt and shame. Today’s gospel proclamation keeps challenging us to the core. St. Peter asks the Lord Jesus Christ, How many times he should forgive the brother or sister who wrongs him, He wanted to know if seven times would be enough. The Lord Jesus’ reply“seventy times seven” would have left him speechless. We have heard the saying that to err is human, to forgive divine. So when we forgive seventy times seven we become seventy times seven more like God. Is not that wonderful? Aren’t we taken aback as well with this stern and severe response of our Lord? Do we also have limitations in forgiving? Have we ever felt “enough is enough”? Or simply “How many times Lord”? Even“Why is it me all the time”? Yes, quite frankly the Lord is reminding ing us, when it comes to our sin, so heavy, disgusting and ugly, we do not ask questions. When the Lord forgave us and cleared our debts we had no questions. We were pardoned and healed and we have often taken for granted the mercy of God. When it comes to sharing this mercy and forgiveness of our Lord with our brethren we think twice. It can be difficult or seem impossible but one must be willing, to forgive even the unforgivable, unpayable debt, because such is the mercy of God. The Lord Jesus’ example of forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” is the single most powerful prayer that has ever been prayed. Therefore let us ask the Holy Spirit to remind us and strengthen us in this area to forgive others. As we pray in the Lord’s Prayer let us be mindful unless we forgive the sin of others even our sins will remain unforgiven.

Prayer: Abba Father, remind me how you lavishly pardoned my sin, and now it is my turn to share your forgiving love with others. Amen.