Never Stop Forgiving: A Reflection on Matthew 18:21-35

In Matthew 18:21-25, we encounter a powerful lesson on forgiveness delivered by Jesus. This parable, known as the "Parable of the Unforgiving Servant," teaches us about the boundless mercy and forgiveness that God offers us and the importance of extending that same forgiveness to others. As Catholics, we are called to reflect on this passage and apply its teachings in our lives.

The Unforgiving Servant:

In this passage, Peter approaches Jesus and asks, "Lord, how often should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Peter, in suggesting "seven times," might have thought he was being generous, but Jesus responds with a radical call to forgive, saying, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times" or "seventy times seven" in some translations. This number is symbolic of infinite forgiveness.

God's Infinite Mercy:

Jesus uses the parable of the unforgiving servant to illustrate this point. In the parable, a servant owed an enormous debt to his master, an amount he could never repay. The master, representing God, has compassion and forgives the entire debt. This reflects God's infinite mercy and forgiveness toward us. Our sins, no matter how numerous or grave, can be forgiven through God's boundless love and grace.

A Lack of Forgiveness:

However, the story takes a sobering turn when the forgiven servant encounters a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller debt. Despite having experienced such immense forgiveness, he refuses to show mercy and has his fellow servant thrown into prison. When the master hears of this, he is greatly upset and revokes his forgiveness, subjecting the unforgiving servant to severe consequences.

The Call to Forgive:

The message of this parable is clear: we are called to emulate the master's boundless forgiveness in our own lives. Just as we have received God's mercy and forgiveness, we are expected to extend that same mercy and forgiveness to others. Our sins against God are immeasurable, yet He forgives us unconditionally. We are reminded that we, too, should forgive others, no matter how many times they wrong us.

Reflecting on this passage, we must ask ourselves if we are truly living out the message of forgiveness that Jesus imparts. Are there grudges, resentments, or unforgiving attitudes that we hold onto? Are we willing to forgive as we have been forgiven by God?

As Catholics, we have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which allows us to experience God's forgiveness personally. It is a reminder of His boundless love and mercy. In turn, it should inspire us to be forgiving and merciful in our interactions with others. We must remember that forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continuous disposition of the heart. Let us be mindful of the unforgiving servant in the parable and strive to be merciful and forgiving as our Heavenly Father is to us. In doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of God's love and mercy in our lives and in the world.