Tireless, Christlike Forgiveness – Mar 10 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 10, 2026, explaining why Jesus instructs us to forgive not seven times but seventy times seven, due to repeated offenses and relived memories mirroring God's infinite mercy.

In this homily, Fr. Matthias draws from Jesus' response to Peter, urging forgiveness not just seven times but seventy times seven. He explains that life involves constant hurts—we offend others and get offended in return, so forgiveness must multiply. Even one injury resurfaces through memories we relive, rethink, and refeel, requiring fresh forgiveness each time the pain returns. This power to forgive repeatedly brings peace and makes us like Christ, who forgives endlessly. Reflecting on our confessions, we see we've received mercy far beyond 490 times, so we should extend the same tirelessly.

Matthew 18 – Parable of Unforgiving Servant – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18?21
Catechism – Forgiveness in Lord's Prayer – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2840.htm
Catechism – Mercy and Conditional Forgiveness – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2844.htm
USCCB – Radical Call to Forgiveness – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18?22

00:00 - Forgive Seventy Times Seven
00:30 - Life's Mutual Hurts
01:00 - Reliving Deep Memories
01:30 - Forgive Every Recurrence
02:30 - God's Endless Mercy

Ave Maria!

Mass: Tuesday 3rd Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031026.cfm
1st: Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Resp: Psalms 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Gsp: Matthew 18:21-35

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1753

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v5CczUwwzM