FROM GOD’S MERCY WE LEARN TO BE MERCIFUL

XXIV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 18:21-35

Human history is full of violence. The Holy Scriptures present it immediately at the beginning with Cain killing his brother Abel. Why did brother turn against brother? Cain was full of jealousy and envy. According to his judgement, he was being discriminated, while his brother was being given a lot of privileges. Being the victim gave him the right of punishing the one who victimised him. His victimhood was the construction of his mind and was the fruit of the way he looks upon himself. The evil which was in his heart destroyed his brother and, in the end, it would destroy him as well. Instead of giving thanks for what he had, he was a man full of resentment and resentment is a bad counsellor. 

Over time, the way of Cain became ever wider, with an increase of violence, exploitation and oppression. It is the way of the strong and powerful who dominates the weak and humble. From Cain’s way, peace never comes. However, by God’s grace, there were always people who tried to follow Abel’s way, the way that leads to freedom, justice and peace. Much before Jesus Christ, instructed by God’s wisdom, many people understood that “resentment and anger are foul things”. (Sir 27:30). We must control our anger and stay away from vengeance. The vengeance belongs to the Lord.

As if anticipating Jesus’ words, the book of Sirach tells us:

“Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done,

and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.

Does anyone harbour anger against another,

and expect healing from the Lord?

If one has no mercy toward another like himself,

can he then seek pardon for his own sins?” (Sir 28:2-4)

In the gospel, with the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus makes it clear that we cannot expect God’s forgiveness if we refuse to forgive the ones who cause injury to us. God is merciful and he demands that we learn mercifulness from him. The world looks at this wisdom as foolishness; however, only reconciliation makes peace possible. Hatred, exploitation and oppression were never the way to peace. 

Nowadays, many people, with the heart full of resentment, consider themselves to be victims, while the others are seen as full of privileges, being, therefore, exploiters and oppressors. Their resentment is easily transformed in hatred and the hatred destroys the harmony in society and ends up consuming the ones possessed by it. Before God, all of us have the privilege of his love, which we should receive with thanksgiving, thus enabling us to pay back with love.