Readings: Joshua 3:7-11,13-17, Ps. 114:1-6, Matthew 18:21-19:1
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’” (Matthew 18:21-22)
In our Gospel passage yesterday, Jesus outlined four steps to take when offended. 1. Meet the person and seek to win them back. 2. If this fails, invite at least two witlessness. 3. If reconciliation fails, tell it to the church. 4. If this fails, consider the person a stranger to the faith, that is, one who needs prayers. After listening to Jesus, Peter asked a sincere question: “How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive?”
In response to Peter’s question, Jesus mentioned the fifth and final step: “Consider how much God has forgiven you; then forgive the person.” Jesus gave a parable of a servant whose debt was forgiven by his master, but refused to forgive his fellow servant who owed him less. Regardless of how much people offend us, it does not equal what we owe God. Even if you are a saint (sinless and spotless), you can still forgive. After all, what makes you saintly if you cannot forgive?
Forgiveness is hard, but it is possible. It is like crossing a river on foot. In today’s First Reading, God instructs Joshua on how the Israelites were to cross the River Jordan. Joshua told the people: “…this is how you will know that there is a living God in your midst…” Let us go on our knees daily to ask God for the grace to do the impossible – that is, to forgive others (to free them from the prisons of hate within our hearts). This is our way of crossing the River Jordan to the land flowing with milk and honey (that is, peace of mind)
St. Maximilian Kolbe, born Raymund Kolbe on 8 January 1894 in Poland, was a dedicated Conventual Franciscan friar who became a martyr in Auschwitz during World War II. Deeply devoted to the Virgin Mary, Kolbe had a life-changing vision at twelve, where Mary entrusted him with two crowns symbolising purity and martyrdom, which he willingly accepted. In 1910, he joined the Franciscan order, adopting the name Maximilian, and was ordained as a priest in 1918.
During the German invasion in WWII, Kolbe provided shelter to refugees, including around 2,000 Jews, and refused to accept German citizenship. In 1941, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz, where he showed incredible selflessness by volunteering to die by starvation in place of a man who had a family. Throughout his imprisonment, Kolbe led prayers to Mary and maintained his peace until he was executed by lethal injection on 14 August.
For his extraordinary sacrifice, Kolbe was beatified in 1971 and canonised as a saint in 1982 by Pope John Paul II. He is honoured as a martyr and serves as the patron saint of drug addicts, prisoners, families, and the pro-life movement. His feast day is celebrated every year on 14 August.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith that we may learn to forgive. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest, Martyr. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Joshua 3:7-11,13-17, Ps. 114:1-6, Matthew 18:21-19:1)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu