St Peter’s Basilica Statuary, taken by Martha Wiggins, 2011
“Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”
So many entirely miss the spirit of the Christmas season because they harbor unforgiveness in their hearts. It may be toward others, or even toward themselves. When Peter asked Jesus how often he was to forgive those who sinned against him, Jesus replied seventy times seven. Many tend to mete out forgiveness according to the depth of our hurt… the greater our hurt the less we forgive. We also judge the gravity of the sin… the little things are easily forgiven, but the greater the sin the harsher we judge and the less we forgive. In the same way we believe that Jesus must find it hard to forgive us our own trespasses. We live in unforgiveness of ourselves. Jesus metes out forgiveness to us in direct opposition to the way many of us forgive. The greater the sin, the more forgiveness is needed, the more mercy and love Jesus shows us.
If Christmas seems far off, and not personal for you, ask yourself how many times has Jesus forgiven you? Have you asked for His forgiveness? Do you forgive others in the same way Jesus has forgiven you? Your friends? Your family? Your co-workers?
See Jesus reborn in yourself, and others, through the greatest gift God has to offer… His Only Begotten Son. Open this gift with your heart. Forgive others, forgive yourself, forgive God if need be… seventy times seven. Let Christmas lead the way.
(Prayer: Lord, let me walk through this day in the shadow of Your loving mercy and forgiveness, yet in the Light of Your Resurrection and Everlasting Joy.” MMW)
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