Readings: Sir 27:30-28:7. Rom 14:7-9. Mt 18:21-35
Generally, we all consider ourselves better than we actually are. We even think that we’re morally better than others. Once in a while, it occurs to us (in moments of consciousness) that we’re burdened by the same yoke that burdens the rest of humanity: physical and moral weakness, physiological and emotional needs, anxiety about the future, fears and insecurities, etc. We’re human beings in need of Grace just like other human beings.
We wrong other people and so need their understanding, their forbearance and their forgiveness. We fall short of what Goodness would demand. If we were to be consciously aware of this, we would try to be more considerate to others especially in their weakness, more forgiving (no matter how often it necessitates), more tolerant, more understanding. We would try to avoid paying people in their own currency (for they don’t have the right currency to begin with).
May Jesus Christ, our chief exemplar of love, grant us the grace to forgive often, promptly and truly.