(Optional Memorial for Saint Pontian, Pope and Martyr and Saint Hippolytus, Priest and Martyr)
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| “Crossing the Jordan” by Gerard Hoet and C. Huibertz, Published 1728 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17
Commentary on Jos 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17
The leadership of the tribes of Israel Jordan River is the sign chosen to mark this transition.
CCC: Jos 3:10 2112
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R. Alleluia!
Commentary on Ps 114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
The final strophe of this psalm of thanksgiving recalls the miracle of the crossing of the Jordan (Joshua 3:13ff). This event, like other salvific involvement by God, is celebrated in song by Kind David’s line.
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Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1
Commentary on Mt 18:21–19:1
The Gospel from St. Matthew today deals with forgiveness among the disciples. Peter asks Jesus how many times his fellow disciples must be forgiven. Jesus responds that forgiveness must be without limits. Jesus uses Hebrew numerology in this illustration. Seven in Hebrew terms is the perfect or complete number. So when Peter asks “…how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” he is asking if he must forgive him completely. The metaphor the Lord uses in reply “seventy times seven” would imply and absolute forgiveness.
Jesus illustrates the requirement for Christian forgiveness with the parable of the unmerciful servant. As in many of the parables, the one who does what is wrong, in this case failing to show mercy and forgiveness even when it was shown to him, suffers a much worse fate in the final judgment.
CCC: Mt 18:21-22 982, 2227, 2845; Mt 18:23-35 2843; Mt 19:1-12 2364
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Reflection:
The theme of forgiveness is central for us as we hear Jesus telling Peter that absolute and complete forgiveness is required of those who wish to claim discipleship. The first reading from Joshua has a symbol of God’s forgiveness. Do you catch it? Just as God’s people walked through the Red Sea on dry land as a symbol of God’s deliverance from sin, they also follow Joshua across the Jordan
Peter’s question is more direct: “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?” is answered by Jesus first symbolically (seventy times seven) and then emphatically using the parable of the unmerciful servant. The moral of this parable is quite clear to us. If God will forgive us the sins we have committed against him, how can we hold those (especially our brothers and sisters) accountable for sins we perceive that they have committed against us?
As we hear time and time again in the Gospel we profess, forgiveness is the great healer. When we forgive from the heart as Jesus commands, we are ourselves healed.
The worst hurt in the world is often caused by those we love most dearly. When we perceive that they have wronged us, because of that close relationship, we hold them accountable for their actions. If there is not recognition by the other that reconciliation is required of them, that debt of atonement festers. It grows and develops into anger and even hatred which is self-destructive and leads to even greater sin.
Forgiveness washes away the gulf that is opened by perceived wrongs. Again especially in close relationships, forgiveness by the one wronged often will open the way for reconciliation and a strengthening of the bond of love that exists.
Today we praise the Lord for his gift of forgiveness and ask him to help us as we try to emulate him.
Pax
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