Thursday August 14, 2025

Matthew 18:21-19:1

Feast of St Maximilian Kolbe

Peter went up to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.

I wonder who got on St Peter’s nerve that the wild fisherman was counting how many times he would have to put up with the nonsense before he popped someone. I mean life can be intense in a small group with clashing egos. When you think about it, it is indeed a big world but we are almost always in small groups. It could be family, work, church, social club, nursing home. The Zambians have a saying which might sound crude here so I will change it to “Trees in a forest cannot help but rub up on each other.” We all have to learn to live with each other and that means learn how to practice forgiveness. Someone will rub you the wrong way and frankly you might be the problem sometimes.

Someone much has been written on forgiveness because it is absolutely necessary for our growth. Nelson Madiba Mandela said it beautifully when he got out of jail where he was so unjustly sent “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other fellow die.” I say “Take back your power by forgiving him/her.” Young people will say “don’t let someone live rent free in your mind.” Today I want you to practice the art of letting go of the pain of betrayal and you will rediscover your joy.

God bless