Forgiven to Forgive

In today’s Gospel reading Jesus calls us beyond keeping score and into the mercy we have first received from God. We are especially reminded that forgiveness does not deny harm or avoid truth; it is Christ’s gift that frees us from keeping score and calls us toward healing and reconciliation with others who think or see the world differently than we do.

Reflections:

Peter asks Jesus how often he must forgive, and Jesus responds with a vision of mercy that cannot be measured or earned. Because God meets us with grace in Christ, forgiveness is not denial of harm or a refusal to seek justice; it is the Spirit’s work of freeing us from the grip of resentment and making us instruments of reconciliation. Each time we hear forgiveness proclaimed in worship, we are renewed in our baptismal calling to share Christ’s mercy in the world.

Where am I tempted to hold a grudge, or "demand repayment" from someone else in my life? What purpose does that type of “keeping score” truly serve?

Besides our God’s Work Our Hands activities today how can I embody Christ’s reconciling love in a relationship, my community, or the wider world this week?