DN 3: 25, 34-43
PS 25: 4-5AB, 6 AND 7BC, 8-9
MT 18: 21-35
“Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?”
The Gospel for today focuses on forgiveness. It is human nature to sin. Sometimes, we do not even realize we are sinning. We are faced with decisions to sin or not every single day. Think of your sins that have accumulated today, this year, and over your entire life. It is impossible to count because we do not keep a journal of them. Although we are not keeping track, God remembers every single moment we said yes to sin, yet He forgives us anyway.
Every minute of the day, humans around the world experience suffering due to harm that others inflict on them. Many live for years holding onto hatred toward people for hurting them or their loved ones. We sometimes hold on exhaustingly tight, that forgiveness seems out of reach. I visualize the act of forgiveness being a glass wall separating me from freedom, life, and growth. The longer I hold onto my grudge, anger, and frustration toward another, the further my sadness and hurt grows. Then, I remember that I have the power to break through the glass wall, to overcome my grudge, and to move forward. Forgiveness is a choice. We have a choice to remain in the difficulty of “unforgiveness” or to conquer it.
Many of us forget that forgiveness does not mean we are okay with what is wrong. Forgiveness is knowing people sinned and caused us harm, but saying, “You were wrong and it hurt, but I sin too, and I forgive you.” As we know, this is not as easy as it sounds. God expects us to forgive others seven times seventy times, because He is able to forgive us, even for the darkest of sins. C.S. Lewis states it simply, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
Who do we need to forgive this Lent? Break through the wall that is separating you from a happier version of you. Find the beauty in being able to forgive. God is giving us permission to let go. Let’s reduce the debt of sin in the world by simply being kind to others just as God is kind to us. Be thankful for your teachers and the hard work they put forth as they facilitate our growth; be patient with the slow driver in front of you; be aware of people around you, keeping in mind that we have the potential to influence one’s happiness; and forgive others, remembering that each of us is imperfect, but worthy of mercy.
What can we let go of today that will help us feel free when we wake up on Easter Sunday?
Kaitlyn Vokaty is a senior studying Occupational Therapy. She is a Publicity co-chair and a Facilitator in Christian Life Communities.
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