Healing Power of Wholesome Forgiving

 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 17, 2023

Readings: Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103:1–4, 9–12; Romans 14:7–9; Matthew 18:21–35

"Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight" (Sirach 27:30). With these beautiful but courageous words, we begin to read the Word of God on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our globalized world even though it looks united and open to each other, yet the deep-down there is so much distrust, frustration, jealousy and wickedness. This was very visible at the recently concluded G-20 summit in New Delhi, India where two major nations of the world did not send their presidents for this meeting. They did not attend the meeting not because they had some pressing work or health issue they had to attend to, rather it was all a political game to diminish the influence of the other and unready to settle the issues, which are threatening world peace. Both Russian and Chinese Presidents stayed out from this crucial meeting which saw for the first time the African Union getting its membership. How exclusive this world can be and this gang of G 20 countries in a world of 197 nations! Until now none of the African Nations could be a member of the so-called G-20 Nations. This is called the globalization of exclusivity! In this context, when we meditate on the Word of God, the words Sirach must touch us and transform us. 

1. No to evil but yes to forgiveness

Unlike many of the episodes in the book of Old Testament which call for vengeance, wrath, and punishment, here the book of Sirach invites us to reflect on our relationships with others and the power of forgiveness. Wrath and anger, hate and revenge are really bad things yet they are very close to our hearts. The human person is basically a selfish creature and that's why there is no end to enmity, war, and strife. In spite of the lessons from history, still wars are fought even using artificial intelligence which is more destructive than in earlier times of history. The cluster drones that are being used in the war against Ukraine is a very sad reality which is just before our eyes. There is so much destructive nature because we hold on to anger and grudges. When we allow resentment to fester within us, it can consume our thoughts and lead us away from the path of inner peace and spiritual growth. The first step towards healing is recognizing the weight of these negative emotions.

Further, the book of Sirach says, "Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven" (Sirach 28:2). Forgiveness is not only an act of compassion towards others but also a means of cleansing our own souls. When we let go of the wrongs done to us, we create space for divine grace to enter our lives. It is through forgiving others that we open ourselves to receiving forgiveness from God. It is said, "To err is human, but to forgive is divine." In fact, forgiveness is the essence of a genuine, loving human heart. A heartless person does not have the capacity or willingness to forgive. It is tough to forgive because the hurt that was hurled at us is so great only revenge can suffice to take away that pain. This is what we think. Actually, it is not so. Forgiving someone may hurt us at the time but in the long run, forgiveness is the winner. 

2. Seek wisdom and resolve your conflicts

The book of Sirach further says "Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin!" (Sirach 28:6). All our fights and conflicts, wars and revenge end up only in the grave. There is no escape from the human mortality and fragility in which our life is constituted. We are limited beings with a little scope to fight till the end. Life is fleeting and that we will all face death and decay. All our earthly or worldly grievances fall into the grave with no meaning at all. Therefore, no one can say how powerful I am instead one must say how grateful I am to God that in spite of my nothingness and finiteness, yet He has created such a beautiful world and me. Therefore, we must prioritize peace and reconciliation over holding onto grudges.

All our actions and thoughts matter. There is so much interconnectedness between our actions and our spiritual well-being. Holding onto our unmanageable conflicts not only harms us internally having repercussions on our health and emotional stability but also disrupts the relationships, which might have been good and harmonious. If we expect healing and blessings from the Divine, we must first cultivate love, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our interactions with others. God overlooks our faults and forgives us, we are called to extend the same grace to our neighbors. Embracing this divine perspective can transform our relationships and bring us closer to the sacred.

3. Greatness in ever ready to forgive

Matthew 18:21–35 presents a powerful parable and teaching by Jesus on forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of mercy, compassion, and the profound debt of gratitude we owe to God. For Jesus forgiveness is unlimited. Jesus answers Peter that forgiveness cannot be weighed or counted but it should be boundless and limitless. Only then it could be called a forgiving heart made out of flesh and blood. Jesus beautifully narrates the narrow-mindedness of a debtor whose enormous debt was canceled. But this debtor had no mercy towards his debtor. Jesus calls for forgiveness which is immeasurable and in turn, we should extend the same grace and mercy to others.

Interestingly, when we refuse to forgive others, we also hinder our own spiritual and wholistic growth and experience a form of self-imposed imprisonment. We become chained people but the tragedy is that it is chained by ourselves.  When we say God is merciful, it is because of the experience of God. The God who is infinitely merciful is also a just God. In other words, our actions have consequences both in our earthly relationships and in our spiritual journey. For Jesus, true forgiveness is not merely a superficial act but a transformation of our inner disposition. When we forgive sincerely and wholeheartedly, we mirror the divine forgiveness we have received, and our hearts become vessels of God's love and grace.

Questions for self-reflection:

1. Am I truly willing to forgive others without keeping track of their wrongdoings, as Jesus teaches in the parable of the unmerciful servant?
2. Do I harbor any unforgiveness or grudges in my heart that may be hindering my spiritual growth and relationship with God?
3. Do I understand that forgiveness is not just a surface-level act but a transformation of the heart? Am I willing to forgive from the heart, as Jesus instructs?
4. Do I see forgiveness as a central aspect of my Christian faith, and am I actively working to embody this teaching of Christ in my daily life?

Prayer based on Psalm 103

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude. We are awed by Your boundless love, Your compassion, and Your forgiveness. You are the One who forgives all our sins, who heals our brokenness, and who lifts us up when we are down. Your love is steadfast, and Your mercy knows no bounds.

Thank You for Your patience with us, for not treating us as our sins deserve, and for separating our sins from us as far as the East is from the West. Your love is immeasurable, and we stand in awe of Your grace. Lord, help us to carry this message of forgiveness and love into our own lives. May we extend forgiveness to others just as You have forgiven us. Teach us to show the same mercy and compassion to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

September 15, 2023