The theme of forgiveness continues in today’s Gospel reading.  Peter asks Jesus how many times he needs to forgive.

At times, we all react as Peter did.  Do we ask Jesus this very same question when someone has hurt us?  At some point in our lives, all of us have had painful experiences at the hands of another. Forgiving that person is not easy, especially when we have been hurt deeply!  However, we always have the choice to change our minds and our hearts and ask Jesus to give us the grace to want to forgive that person.  This is a critical first step.  When we are willing to try to forgive another, it may not only free them, but most likely it also will free us.

Today, let us ask ourselves: whom do I need to forgive?  It may be another person or it may be that we need to  seek forgiveness  for actions or choices that we are not proud of.  There maybe  situations when we do have the opportunity or the courage to seek forgiveness from another.  To be sincere in what we say is often very difficult,  but it is the right thing to do. 

When someone else comes to us seeking forgiveness it is important that we receive their apology in the right way.  When you forgive another, you also will release the pain, hurt, or anger that you have been nursing.   This will benefit not only them but also ourselves.   What a wondrous gift to give!