24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME A
FORGIVE AND BE FREE
MT 18: 21-35
MESSAGE
It was a terrible day in 2020 for the Abdallah family in Sydney, Australia, when they learned that their children and a cousin were run over by a car driven by a drunk and drug-affected driver. Four deaths in this Lebanese family could have easily turned into a reaction of hatred, revenge, and bitterness. Yet, the whole world was stunned when Danny and Leila, the parents, chose to forgive the driver. Danny visited him in prison, dissuaded other inmates from harming him, and promised his family that he will support him when his jail sentence is over.
The Gospel describes a life marked by unforgiveness. It makes a person selfish, hateful, and vengeful. The Lord Jesus also describes the life of a forgiving person, which moved by compassion, empowers him to forgive “seventy-seven times.” The forgiving person earns the favor and forgiveness of God for his own sins, while the vengeful person will face the harsh judgment of God.
Unforgiveness is a slavery to anger and resentment. It deprives a person of joy and enthusiasm and throws him into the dark alley of bitterness. If unforgiveness reigns in the family, all the members are affected by it and they cannot move on from the hurtful past they experienced. Choosing forgiveness is a kindness to oneself, allowing a person to carry a past burden as a cross but with dignity and peace.
Why do we need to forgive? Aside from its beneficial emotional and psychological effects, forgiveness draws us closer to God, our merciful and forgiving Father. He desires that we imitate his mercy so that in this life and in the next, we will experience healing, transformation, peace, and joy. As a result of forgiveness, the drunk driver became a Maronite Catholic like the Abdallah family and has started a life of conversion towards God, himself, and society.
REFLECT
It is perfectly alright to acknowledge anger and even to express it. But when we dwell on our anger and unforgiveness, we punish not only our enemy, but our own selves, and even our loved ones. Today, ask the Lord for the grace to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply; ask for the grace of healing and peace.
