In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?” Peter suggests seven times, but Jesus responds, “Not seven times but seventy-seven times.”

Jesus is not asking us to keep count. He is reminding us that forgiveness is not something we offer only when it is convenient or deserved. Forgiveness is a way of living.

We all know how easy it is to turn to God when we need forgiveness. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we ask Him to be patient with our weaknesses, to understand our failures, and to give us another chance. And He does. God’s mercy is greater than anything we could ever earn.

Yet when someone hurts us, forgiveness can suddenly become much harder. We remember the words that were spoken, the disappointment we felt, or the way someone treated us. Sometimes we hold onto those hurts long after the other person has forgotten them.

Jesus reminds us that we cannot truly appreciate the mercy we have received from God while refusing to offer mercy to others.

Forgiveness means choosing not to allow resentment to take permanent residence in our hearts. It means letting go of our need to keep score and entrusting what we cannot change to God.

Forgiveness is often a process, and sometimes it takes time. But each time we choose mercy over resentment, we become a little more like Christ.

We have all been forgiven more than we could ever repay. May the mercy we have received from God become the mercy we are willing to extend to others.

Lord, give us the grace to remember how generously You have forgiven us. Soften our hearts, release us from resentment, and teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us.

Amen.

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