Forgiveness and Mercy

The texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today tell us of the triumphant entry of the Israelites into the "promised land" across the Jordan after their long exile in the desert. This represents a restoration of the Covenant relationship between God and the people. This comes after a history rejection and complaining during the journey. The reconciliation is complete. The people are returned to the time of Moses as the flow of the Jordan is stopped to permit them to cross on dry land. The praise of the psalmist today is for both events the Exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Jordan at Jericho. Jesus responds to Peter's question on the extent of forgiveness expected of disciples in the passage from the Gospel of Matthew. The parable of the Unforgiving Servant presents the example that forgiveness is given graciously, generously and repeatedly. The consequence for those who cannot forgive is dire. The consequence will be lived by the unforgiving in a prison of their own creation in their daily life. All have sinned and all have fallen short. The life giving forgiveness we know in the repair of our intimacy with the Divine is a mutual life giving action we can transfer to those who have offended us.