Our Lady Of Perpetual Help

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Reflection - Week of September 13

Question of the Week:

Reconciliation means making a relationship whole again. Whom do I need to forgive to make our relationship whole once more?

     It is one thing to forgive a minor slight, but forgiving a terrible crime is tremendously difficult. Life in prison without parole and the death penalty are consequences applied in our country to punish those found guilty of a terrible crime. Many people would say that they deserve it. As justified as we may feel in applying these sentences, both Jesus and Sirach invite us to live in a world where even the worst violence can be forgiven. Neither promises it to be easy, but it does release the burden of leaving wrath and anger to fester in our hearts.

     The king in Jesus’ parable is so extravagant with his mercy that he doesn’t just allow the servant to delay repayment of his debt, he forgives the debt altogether. Like the father of the prodigal son or Jesus on the cross forgiving the ones who put him to death, this king is merciful beyond expectations. He is moved with compassion and this leads him to mercy without limit. He has chosen to make his world one of mercy. The servant, on the other hand, cannot appreciate the gift he’s been given. He lives in a world where anger and debts fester and never truly are forgiven. He cannot accept such profligate mercy because it makes the logic of his dog-eat-dog world senseless. We can choose the world we make. May we choose correctly.