Bishop Lumen Monterio, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Agartala (India), celebrated Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Following his inspiring homily on today's Readings, Bishop Lumen offered a moving tribute to the late Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
The parable Jesus tells in response to Peter’s question offers deeper insight into His meaning. It echoes the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
When the servant begs for patience, the king goes beyond all expectation: he forgives the entire debt out of compassion. But that same servant, having just received mercy, encounters a fellow servant who owes him only a small amount. Rather than extending the mercy he himself had received, he becomes violent, demanding repayment and imprisoning the man.
Jesus concludes with a sobering warning: “So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”
Limitless forgiveness is very difficult unless we have a deep and abiding gratitude for the Divine Mercy God has shown us. Our debt before God is incalculable.
Though we might be tempted to think, “I’m a good person,” etc., we could never repay it on our own. Grasping this truth and allowing it to penetrate our hearts is essential to living the Christian life.
Take a moment and reflect on how deeply you are aware of the mercy God has shown you. Do you take it for granted, or have you allowed it to transform you? Consider especially those you struggle to forgive. Let gratitude for God’s mercy soften your heart.
From that softened heart, choose to forgive—not seven times, but seventy-seven times and beyond. In doing so, you will reflect the very heart of God and become a vessel of His saving grace in the world.