The readings emphasize that mercy and forgiveness are at the heart of the Christian life. Yet, as Sirach points out, we tend to ‘treasure’ our wrath and anger and fail to forgive. In response to Peter’s question on how many times he should forgive, Jesus stresses the need to forgive always. He reiterates this with the parable of the wicked servant who won’t forgive even though he has experienced the Master’s forgiveness. Jesus then delivers the punch-line: “This is how my Father will deal with you, unless you forgive one another.”

But why must we forgive always? For two reasons: Paul reminds us that we belong to Christ who purchased us by His blood. The second reason is in today’s Psalm: God doesn’t deal with us according to our sins and crimes, but with mercy and forgiveness.

Being unforgiving is like consuming poison yourself and then expecting your enemy to perish – it never works!

Feeling lousy of late? Have you tried forgiveness?