In today’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus a very human question: “How many times must I forgive?” He suggests seven times, thinking he is being generous. But Jesus responds with a number that has no limit—seventy times seven times. In other words, forgiveness is not about counting; it is about becoming like God. The mercy of God is limitless, and Jesus invites us to reflect that mercy in our relationships.

The parable of the unforgiving servant reveals the heart of the Gospel. We have been forgiven an immeasurable debt—our sins, our failures, our weaknesses. God has shown us compassion beyond measure. The gift of forgiveness we receive must become the forgiveness we offer. When we refuse to forgive, we close our hearts to the grace that God wants to pour into our lives.

But Jesus tells Peter today that we must forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven times. That means: every time. We are to be merciful as our Father in heaven is merciful. But why? Why does Jesus repeatedly warn that we can’t expect forgiveness for our trespasses unless we’re willing to forgive others their trespasses against us? Because, as Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle, we are the Lord’s. Each of us has been purchased by the blood of Christ shed for us on the Cross

This week, the Church gives us two powerful feasts that illuminate this message. On September 14, we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Cross is the greatest sign of forgiveness. Jesus does not forgive us from a distance—He forgives us from the Cross, with open arms and a pierced heart. The power of the Cross reminds us that forgiveness is costly, but it is also life‑giving.

On September 15, we honor Our Lady of Sorrows, who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross. As we celebrate these feasts, may we allow the Cross and Mary’s example to soften our hearts, heal old wounds, and make forgiveness possible.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, teach us to forgive as You forgive. Through the Holy Cross and the sorrows of Mary, heal our hearts and make us instruments of Your mercy. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Fr. Charley