Forgiving as the forgiven

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today stress forgiveness. The point is strongly made that forgiving those who "trespass against us" is essential for our own spiritual life. The wisdom passages from the Book of Sirach are clear. Forgiveness and mercy for ourself is tied to our forgiveness of others. Fr Larry Gillick SJ suggests that we have not come to know ourselves well enough when we see the other as being sinful different or separate from our life. He suggests that the dialogue of Peter with Jesus in the Gospel from Matthew indicates that Peter has not yet entered into the community of followers of Jesus but stands outside seeking from God a mechanical procedure to deal with they who sin. Paul reminds the Romans that our life and death is not an individual event. Our relationship with the Divine is experienced with and through our relationship with others. We grow in the appreciation that the life and failings of others are images and reflections of our own failings. Our pride and self centered behavior is brought to mind as we are impacted by the actions of others. The movement to forgive others is the necessary hope that our transgressions can be similarly attended to by the God who the psalmist proclaims 'redeems your life from the pit'.