August 11, 2022, Thursday of the 19th week in Ordinary Time-C ST CLARE, VIRGIN
Ezekiel 12:1-12
Psalm 78
Matthew 18:21-19:1
“Lord, if my brother sins against me how often must I forgive him? Matthew 18:21
Lord, Peter asked a question that we ask too. How far do we have to go in offering forgiveness and mercy to those who’ve harmed us? What are the legal limits and requirements of forgiveness? Must I forgive someone who hasn’t asked for it or even cares? Your reply that there are no limits to forgiveness must have surprised Peter. Lord, I am so grateful to you for forgiving all of my sins, without limits. I’d be a lost soul if there was only so much of your mercy to go around. Please help me to accept and embrace your love and compassion. And unlike the forgiven servant in the gospel, show me how to have pity on those who harm me. Help me to truly live a merciful life. Set me free from the prison of refusing to forgive. Open my heart to be like your most Sacred Heart from which unlimited mercy flows. There’s only one way I can repay you for all you’ve done for me and that is to forgive as you forgive—as many times as it takes. St. Clare, pray for us. Amen.