Homily for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Forgiveness Is Sine Qua Non For True Worship Of God

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara

Homily for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Church of Saint Bridget of Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Sunday, September 13, 206

In today’s Gospel, Simon Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus replies, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” What does Jesus mean by seventy-seven times? According to the great American Evangelist, Billy Graham, “What Jesus meant by this expression was that we ought to forgive others without limit.” Forgiveness has no limit. It should be a norm, a habit, and a continuous way of life rather than a scoreboard. What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is an act, not an attitude. It is the active repair of a broken relationship, even in the face of opposition, violence, or indifference. Forgiveness is bearing the other person’s burden and moving toward him, even when he refuses to move an inch toward you. Forgiveness is relentless, even aggressive, because it means refusing to give up on a relationship. When a relationship is sundered, each party should, in justice, do their part to reestablish the bond. If your brother, sister, or neighbor refuses to cooperate, do not give up. Keep praying; keep taking steps that move you in his or her direction. Forgiveness is never optional. 

Forgiveness is not a denial of the seriousness of the offense against you. Amateur advisers and consolers often urge us to “Forgive and forget.” But forgiveness does not mean forgetting, condoning, or excusing offenses. It does not mean repeatedly putting yourself in harm’s way. Although forgiveness can help repair a damaged relationship, it does not obligate you to keep putting yourself in harm’s way, especially if the offender is a serial offender. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness. It is a courageous act that embodies Christ's grace, kindness, and compassion.

How should I forgive? One, acknowledge that you have been hurt. Ask yourself whether you played any role in what happened. Two, make up your mind and heart to let go, knowing that carrying anger toward others and sadness within you is a burden you no longer wish to bear. It’s time to go home another way. Three, consider your offender confused, believing they would become happier by harming you. Four, desire to let go of your anger. Let go of your desire to punish or teach them a lesson. Five, stop believing that choosing to forgive condones an unjust action. Six, stop waiting for an apology. If it is given, accept it. Seven, desire to make things better, not bitter. Eight, desire to forgive. Will it. Aspire for it. Yearn for it. Long for it. Thirst for it as if your life depends on it. And in reality, the quality of your life depends on it. Nine, start praying for your offender. The more you pray for them—asking God to be merciful to them and to bless them—the more you will see their good, and the easier it becomes for you to forgive them. Ten, make time to sit before the cross of Jesus and meditate on it. 

If I don’t want to forgive, can I still make heaven? The answer is: You may not! Remember, without forgiveness, you block God's movement in you. God is love, and anything in us that opposes love blocks the flow of God’s power and life. In the Gospel of Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus said, “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” But how do I know I have forgiven my brother and sister? One, you know you have forgiven when you no longer want to hurt them. Two, you know you have forgiven when you no longer wish them harm. Three, you know you have forgiven when you no longer hurl abuse or curses at them. Four, you know you have forgiven when you are no longer angry or bitter about what was done to you. Five, you know you have forgiven when you no longer resist praying for the well-being and salvation of the one who has hurt you. Six, you know you have truly forgiven when you no longer avoid being in the same space with them or making eye contact with them. 

Does forgiveness have any benefit? Yes indeed! According to Mayo Clinic staff, forgiveness, or letting go of grudges and bitterness, can lead to improved health and peace of mind. It can lead to the following: 

1. Healthier relationships. 
2. Improved mental health
3. Less anxiety, stress, and hostility
4. Lower blood pressure
5. Fewer symptoms of depression
6. A stronger immune system 
7. Improved heart health
8. Improved self-esteem
9. For me, one benefit of forgiveness is that it breaks the cycle of hatred, revenge, and violence. 
10. Forgiveness gives you the confidence and credibility to ask God for forgiveness.
11. Forgiveness is medicine that heals us spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially. 

God bless you!