Lenten Reflection Day 22 ~ Saturday Third Week of Lent

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (Matthew 18:21–22):

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?’ Jesus saith to him: ‘I say not to thee, till seven times; but till seventy times seven.’”

Reflection:

Today, we are called to a profound and often painful Lenten task: forgiveness. St. Peter, sincere but still thinking in limited human terms, asks Jesus how often he must forgive, perhaps expecting praise for his generous proposal of “seven times.” But Jesus answers with a startling hyperbole: “seventy times seven.” In other words, forgive without limit. The number is symbolic of completeness and boundless mercy.

Why is forgiveness so central in Lent? Because we cannot receive the mercy of God without sharing it. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” we pray every day. These are not empty words. They are a binding condition of the spiritual life. If we close our hearts to others’ repentance, we risk closing ourselves to grace. Jesus warns in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23–35) that those who refuse to forgive will be “delivered to the torturers” until they pay their entire debt. Divine justice is severe toward those who hoard mercy.

But how can we forgive someone who has deeply hurt us? Especially if they show no remorse? Forgiveness does not mean ignoring injustice or denying pain. Rather, it is a free act of the will, aided by grace, to release someone from our interior demand for vengeance. It is saying to God, “You be the judge. I choose to let go.” This is both liberating and transformative. Bitterness chains us; forgiveness breaks the chains.

Lent is a time to examine our hearts: Is there anyone I have not forgiven? A wound I refuse to let heal? A grudge I carry silently? Jesus tells us that forgiveness must be constant and total. Even when it feels impossible, we can begin by willing to forgive, praying for the grace to desire it fully. Often the feelings will follow in time.

Forgiveness heals both the offender and the offended. As St. Augustine taught, “Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” When we forgive, we imitate God, who “makes His sun rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). The saints remind us that forgiving enemies is among the most Christlike acts we can perform.

Today, ask for the grace to forgive from the heart. Consider those who have hurt you—recently or long ago. Name them before God and say, “I forgive them, Lord, and I ask You to bless them.” If it’s too hard to mean it, at least ask: “Jesus, help me forgive.”

Saintly Insight:

St. John Vianney, the holy Curé of Ars, spent long hours in the confessional helping souls experience God’s mercy. He once said: “The good God will forgive you, but you must forgive others. There are no closed doors to the Heart of Jesus—unless we close them from our side.”

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.