~~~ Memorial of Saint Clare ~~~
~~~ Ezekiel 12:1-12 ~~~ Psalm 78 ~~~ Matthew 18:21–19:1 ~~~
Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
“Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you,
not seven times but seventy-seven times.
This is one of the numerous
verses in the Bible about forgiveness.
In the Old Testament God is the one
who forgives his chosen people.
Animal sacrifices were made in atonement
for sins...seeking God's forgiveness.
Moses pleads to God for forgiveness
on behalf of the people of Israel.
Now if you would only forgive their sin!
But if you will not, then blot me out of the book
that you have written.”
Exodus 32:32
Jeremiah and Isaiah
also address God's forgiveness.
With the birth of Jesus
we see a profound shift in the meaning of forgiveness.
Jesus comes to save an entire world.
His death atoned for the sins for the whole world.
Jesus heals while simultaneously
forgiving their personal sins.
Jesus brings God's
forgiveness right to God's chosen people.
Jesus teaches us about
the importance of forgiveness.
He includes forgiveness
in his own example of how we should pray.
...forgive us our trespasses as
we forgive those who trespass against us...
Hanging on the cross Jesus speaks
his final words of forgiveness...
...forgive them for they know not what they do...
It is in our own best interest to practice forgiveness.
Forgiving those who hurt us frees us from a heavy burden.
...how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I say to you,
not seven times but seventy-seven times.
The heavy burden of carrying hurt and anger toward another
greatly impairs the grace God is so freely giving us.
Jesus passes the forgiveness ball to each of us.
So dear readers the ball is in your court.
Who is in most need of your forgiveness?
Even if you cannot tell them in words;
forgive them in your heart...
Open your heart to the forgiving grace of God.
Blessed to be forgiven.
~~~Peace~~~
