“Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight…Forgive your neighbor the wrong done to you; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.” Sirach 27:30 – 28:1
Hearing the words of Sirach today as war continues to devastate Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan and so many other countries, we can't help but wonder whether we will ever know authentic peace. And today’s gospel (Mt 18 21-35) reminds us that loving our enemies and forgiving those who sin against us needs to happen, not three times like the Rabbis taught, or seven times as Peter suggests, but seventy times seven times if our hopes for peace will fill the world.
Unless we find ways to remain quiet, reflective and committed to these gospel imperatives, we will be unable to hear the passionate plea of Paul VI on New Year’s Day, 1972. “If you want peace, work for Justice.” The gospel and the Pope’s challenge are as true today as they were when they were first uttered. I wonder if we can live this way.
Today, think about what you can do to heal broken relationships in your family or church.
Who do you most admire as a peace maker?
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