Today’s readings are Ez. 12: 1-16; Psalm 78 and Mt. 18: 21 - 19:1
Quality, not quantity. At first glance the question of Peter of how many times to forgive seems to be based on quantity. If there is no limit, then sinners may create great chaos knowing that they will be continually forgiven.
But Jesus is speaking about the quality of mercy, a mercy that needs to be always given. Jesus clearly intended forgiveness to be a way of life, an essential characteristic of any follower of His. For forgiveness is not just about the sinner; it is also the forgiver. The one who forgives is meant to “Be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful.”
From the smallest apology to the most challenging confession, we grow in holiness each time we forgive or ask to be forgiven. And it doesn't matter how many times it may take, for mercy is a lifetime lesson that only God-given graces can accomplish in us.