Forgive him

“And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” (Lk 17: 4)

Our Lord brings us in the New Testament a new civilization of love and life. The Old Testament says: “If any one slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold” (Gen, 4: 15), the New Testament—“you should forgive him” even if “he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry.’” The important part of this new rule is: “and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry’”. We have to learn how to say, “I am sorry,” and we should learn how to forgive. There is no forgiveness without repentance, and there is no mercy without magnanimity.

“Shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the world of life.” (Gospel Acclamation)