In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter two very different perspectives, St. Peter perfectly exemplifying the human heart, limited and reluctant whilst our Lord Jesus perfectly exemplifying the heart of God. In Peter’s defence he still had not come to terms with the crucified Christ, the Lamb of God and probably still hoping that Israel would be avenged by military might, a human solution.

The story does not need repeating, the sins that we willingly choose to offend God with even today, are forgiven. In turn the request seems simple, be merciful just as your heavenly Father is merciful Luke 6:36. But yet we struggle to forgive our neighbour when we ourselves ask forgiveness for the same offense? It is good to ask then, why is it so? The underlying layer of forgiveness is love.

We must daily ask our Lord to fill our being with His love because he so desires to and aids us in extending forgiveness to our neighbour but most importantly to ourselves. He will bring healing to our relationships near and far.

Prayer: Abba Father, today I open my heart to be filled with your love so that I can be merciful, just as you have been so to me. Amen