Joshua 3:7-10, 11, 13-17
Psalm 114
Matthew 18:21 —19:1
jesus teaches more on forgiveness
"Lord, when my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?" —Matthew 18:21, our transl.
Today, Jesus teaches us many things about forgiveness:
- Forgiveness pertains only to sins. We forgive sins; we overlook faults, shortcomings, and weaknesses.
- By God's grace, we must forgive 70 x 7, that is, indefinitely (Mt 18:22).
- God's kingdom "is like" forgiveness (Mt 18:23). It is essential in God's plan.
- The debt of our sins is very great (see Mt 18:24). God's forgiving us of this debt should lead us to forgive others (Mt 18:33).
- When we are not forgiving, we make our lives slavery, a prison, and torture (Mt 18:25, 30, 34).
- Forgiveness can be feigned. Fake forgiveness is expressed only in externals. We must forgive from our hearts (Mt 18:35).
Right now, by the Lord's grace, make the decision to forgive everyone for every sin committed against you. Forgive by God's standards.
Prayer: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34).
Promise: "Come here and listen to the words of the Lord, your God." —Jos 3:9
Praise: Though in the high position of king, St. Stephen made certain he was accessible to the poor and oppressed and strove for justice in their treatment.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, February 13, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 20, 2001