There’s a little story about some United States military veterans of Vietnam standing by the Vietnam Memorial in Washington. When asked about his captors in Vietnam, one of them said, “I’ll never forgive them.” His friend replied, “Then it seems that they still have you in prison, don’t they?”
Forgiveness means letting someone back into your heart. If we don't forgive, we lose the ability to give and receive love. It's ironic that Peter, who asked about forgiveness in today's Gospel, would be the first to need the Lord's forgiveness after the resurrection.
Forgiveness is the act of choosing to love, accepting the person, and acknowledging the problem to move forward. It frees both parties to love, grow, and heal the relationship and spirit.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can free us from the burden of resentment and guilt. It allows us to break down walls and reconnect with those around us, promoting love and human fellowship. Letting go of hurt is the first step towards a brighter future for both the victim and the offender.
The following narration is by Fr. Rudy Horst, found in SVD Bible Diary:
A few steps more, and I would reach my goal. Yes, there it was: Heaven’s Gate. How narrow it was! But the Lord had warned us already. Above the gate, something was written, maybe its name. Golden Gate, perhaps. Looking closer, I read “Forgiveness,” just that. One step more and I would meet Saint Peter. I was excited. Right, there he was sitting. I recognized him immediately. No one else has such a cute, curly beard. After greeting him, I approached the door, but he stopped me by shaking his wise head, saying, “Stop!”
“Why St. Peter? I made a good confession before I came up here,” I told him. He shook his head again, “Not that easy, boy, not that easy. You made a confession, yes, but you did not forgive your neighbor yet; who spread gossip about you; you did not forgive yet those people who made your life miserable, including your manager at your workplace. Look, what’s the name of the gate? Forgiveness!” But, dear St. Peter…. I interrupted”
“No ‘, don’t call me dear,’ please. Just Peter is good enough. Haven’t you asked God in the Lord’s Prayer daily to forgive your sins as you forgive others? Without forgiving, no entry, that means no entry! I also had to learn my lesson, said Saint Peter. The Rabbis taught us to forgive three times. I was even more generous by doubling it and throwing one more time into the bargain. But the Lord was not impressed by my generous seven times. ‘Seventy times seven,’ He insisted. And now, don’t you start counting until 490 times and then stop? Because in our language, seventy times seven means always.”
“But St. Peter….” I started. “Sorry boy, no ‘buts either’ replied Peter. The Lord gives you a few days more. Go back and forgive; this gate will be wide open when you return.”
Then I woke up from my sleep.
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