Example and Forgiveness

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to invoke the Spirit to deepen our commitment to lead by Jesus' example in our Way of life and our willingness to forgive in situations of separation from others.

Gather to Remember

 

In the reading from the Letter to Titus in Crete, he is to appoint elders in every town.

* [1:1–4] On the epistolary form, see note on Rom 1:1–7. The apostolate is the divinely appointed mission to lead others to the true faith and through it to eternal salvation (1–3).

* [1:5–9] This instruction on the selection and appointment of presbyters, substantially identical with that in 1 Tm 3:1–7 on a bishop (see note there), was aimed at strengthening the authority of Titus by apostolic mandate; cf. Ti 2:15. In Ti 1:5, 7 and Acts 20:17, 28, the terms episkopos and presbyteros (“bishop” and “presbyter”) refer to the same persons. Deacons are not mentioned in Titus. See also note on Phil 1:1. (Titus, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 24 is a prayer for entrance into the Temple.

* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10). (Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents some Sayings of Jesus.

* [17:3] Be on your guard: the translation takes Lk 17:3a as the conclusion to the saying on scandal in Lk 17:1–2. It is not impossible that it should be taken as the beginning of the saying on forgiveness in Lk 17:3b–4. (Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rashmi Fernando, S.J. comments that Jesus doesn’t offer an easy forgiveness; he offers a radical one. He speaks of forgiving not just once, but repeatedly—even if a person wrongs us multiple times in the same day. The instruction to forgive “seven times” signifies completeness and abundance, challenging us to forgive with a limitless heart.

This is not an act of weakness but one of immense strength and compassion. Forgiveness, as Jesus teaches, is not about keeping score or setting limits; it is about freeing ourselves, allowing reconciliation to heal both the forgiver and the forgiven, and creating space for others to grow, change, and even find their way back to us. This openness requires faith—faith in others’ potential to transform and faith in our own ability to welcome them back. (Fernando, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “To increase faith is to strengthen it by the Holy Spirit,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"They ask, 'Add faith to us.' They do not ask simply for faith, for perhaps you might imagine them to be without faith. They rather ask Christ for an addition to their faith and to be strengthened in faith. Faith partly depends on us and partly is the gift of the divine grace. The beginning of faith depends on us and our maintaining confidence and faith in God with all our power. The confirmation and strength necessary for this comes from the divine grace. For that reason, since all things are possible with God, the Lord says that all things are possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23). The power that comes to us through faith is of God. Knowing this, blessed Paul also says in the first epistle to the Corinthians, 'For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, and to another faith in the same Spirit' (1 Corinthians 12:8). You see that he has placed faith also in the catalogue of spiritual graces. The disciples requested that they might receive this from the Savior, contributing also what was of themselves. By the descent upon them of the Holy Spirit, he granted it to them after the fulfillment of the dispensation. Before the resurrection, their faith was so feeble that they were liable even to the charge of being 'little of faith'." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 17:1-6 comments that in the Israelite culture of his day, the number seven conveyed a sense of fullness, wholeness, or completion. So Jesus deliberately chose “seven” to convey that sense of completion and wholeness that he wants to bring to our relationships—a wholeness that comes through mercy.

But why seven times? Think about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Imagine that you have committed the same sin after having confessed it—and that you have done this seven times! Each time you confess, God freely forgives you. But he also heals you a little more. If you keep coming to him, he will keep healing you, even to the point that this sin will have lost the power over you that it once had. That’s what can happen when we forgive time and time again. The Lord takes you and the other person another step closer to the complete (seven times) healing he longs to give you!

So take Jesus at his word and forgive—seven times if necessary! Cultivate a “lifestyle of forgiveness” that is open to the perfect, complete power of God.

“Jesus, teach me how to forgive!” (Meditation on Luke 17:1-6, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in the Pastoral Epistles the ecclesiology is too advanced for Paul’s authorship. There were many variations of the roles of presbyters, elders, bishops, priests, and deacons in the first century. Friar Jude reminds us of the teaching in Luke not to cause scandal by our example, forgive, and expect that faith will have miraculous outcomes.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, describes the pain we cause ourselves when we choose to live from a sense of separateness.

Probably no gospel story says this more clearly and forthrightly than the parable of the vine and the branches (John 15:1–10). Jesus says, “I am the vine, God is the vine grower, and you are the branches.” As long as we remain in that relationship, we are in love and in union. Whenever we do anything unloving, at that moment, we’re out of union. Even if it’s just a negative, angry, or judgmental thought, we’re doing that out of a sense of disunion—always! And Jesus is very clear. He says that state is useless. Once the branch is cut off from the vine, we might as well throw it into the fire because it will not bear any fruit. He’s not making a threat; he’s just talking practically as if he were the vineyard owner. 

That’s a pretty strong statement about us and the choices we make from that unnecessary state of separateness. We have never been separate from God except in our thoughts, but our thoughts don’t make it true! Nor are we separate from anyone else. Whatever separates us from one another—nationality, religion, ethnicity, economics, language—are all just accidentals that will all pass away. We are one in God, with Christ, and with one another. “I am the vine and you are the branches” (John 15:5). If only we could live that way every hour! (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the mission we have in accord with our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader to to maintain the unity of love that comes from our example and our willingness to forgive.

References

Fernando, R. (2024, November 11). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/111124.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?1 

Meditation on Luke 17:1-6. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/11/11/1126721/ 

Psalms, PSALM 24 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/24?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Pain of Separateness. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-pain-of-separateness/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Lord Jesus Increase Our Faith. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=nov11 

Titus, CHAPTER 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/titus/1?1 

Decision and Division

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us that choice of the way of truth, beauty, and love may cause some to choose separation over celebration of our decision.

The Two Ways

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans describes the Wages of Sin.

* [6:20] You were free from righteousness: expressed ironically, for such freedom is really tyranny. The commercial metaphors in Rom 6:21–23 add up only one way: sin is a bad bargain.

* [6:22] Sanctification: or holiness. (Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 1 outlines the Two Ways.

* [Psalm 1] A preface to the whole Book of Psalms, contrasting with striking similes the destiny of the good and the wicked. The Psalm views life as activity, as choosing either the good or the bad. Each “way” brings its inevitable consequences. The wise through their good actions will experience rootedness and life, and the wicked, rootlessness and death.

* [1:1] The way: a common biblical term for manner of living or moral conduct (Ps 32:8; 101:2, 6; Prv 2:20; 1 Kgs 8:36).

* [1:2] The law of the LORD: either the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, or, more probably, divine teaching or instruction.

* [1:4] The wicked: those who by their actions distance themselves from God’s life-giving presence. (Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus notes the Cause of Division.

* [12:49–53] Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom is a refining and purifying fire. His message that meets with acceptance or rejection will be a source of conflict and dissension even within families.

* [12:50] Baptism: i.e., his death. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Andy Alexander, S.J. (1999) comments that today we can really feel the passion of Jesus.  He is restless in his desire to ignite a fire.  He's on a mission.  It is deep inside of him, coming out of the fire within him.  His desire is to draw us in, to enflame our hearts, to have us ablaze with his mission, with our passion.

So today we can ask ourselves how we might catch the passion of Jesus, and let it ignite our hearts, so that we might set our world ablaze.

What is the passion I feel, the desire, the invitation, to recover today?  Do I feel loved with the passion of Jesus?  What would I have to surrender to be more "on fire?"  How would it change my relationships, my view of my work, my outlook on life, my faith and service of others - if I let myself be touched by this loving Fire? (Alexander, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “The fire of the Gospel and being baptized in the Holy Spirit,“ by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"We affirm that the fire that Christ sent out is for humanity's salvation and profit. May God grant that all our hearts be full of this. The fire is the saving message of the Gospel and the power of its commandments. We were cold and dead because of sin and in ignorance of him who by nature is truly God. The gospel ignites all of us on earth to a life of piety and makes us fervent in spirit, according to the expression of blessed Paul (Romans 12:11). Besides this, we are also made partakers of the Holy Spirit, who is like fire within us. We have been baptized with fire and the Holy Spirit. We have learned the way from what Christ says to us. Listen to his words: 'Truly I say to you, that except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God' (John 3:5). It is the divinely inspired Scripture's custom to give the name of fire sometimes to the divine and sacred words and to the efficacy and power which is by the Holy Spirit by which we are made fervent in spirit." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 94) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Romans 6:19-23 notes that Paul is realistic about human nature. He knows that everyone—including himself—struggles with sin. So that’s why he talks about “sanctification,” or holiness, as a process. Baptism cleanses us from original sin and makes us into a new creation, but we still need to learn to live out that new creation. We still need to learn how to “present” ourselves every day as “slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:19).

So the next time you face a strong temptation, keep the end in mind! Remember that Jesus has claimed you as his own, and you belong to him now. Remember that the wages of sin are a dead end—quite literally—but that you have traded slavery to sin for a new status as a beloved child of God. And be patient with yourself, as God is patient with you. The path of sanctification takes a lifetime, and Jesus promises to be with you all the way.

“Jesus, I belong to you!” (Meditation on Romans 6:19-23, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the passage from Romans today is a continuation of the exhortation of Paul that we make Christ the centre of our lives and choose righteousness over selfishness. The Gospel presents our commitment to Christ as a fire. Friar Jude reminds us that when we commit to Love, others may divide themselves from us and we will have to live the consequences of our choice.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that the beguines’ choice to live in cities among poor and working-class people showed their dedication to serve God by serving the “least of these.” Theologian Wendy Farley presents Mechthild’s teaching on contemplation and compassionate action. Mechthild insists that the intimate love she and God share is made manifest in a desire to serve others.

The radical compassion she envisions as the heart of practical action cannot be generated out of a sense of obligation or duty. It is a heart-sense that makes it unbearable to be indifferent to another’s needs or to think of anyone as “below” oneself. In an echo of her trinitarian understanding of the soul, she suggests a threefold practice to support this radical compassion: detachment, which participates in the transcendent mystery of the godhead; compassion, which participates in the humanity of Christ; and desire to care for human need, which participates in the Holy Spirit. [3] In addition, she recommends that one dedicate an hour or so to undisturbed prayer. Though she is writing to people who live in religious community, the insistence that the wells of mercy and compassion are fed by prayer is pertinent to modern people as well. As many an overworked pastor or mother knows, this hour (or even twenty minutes!) is difficult to find. Yet without it, compassionate care can become exhausting rather than grace-filled and sweet. We are better able to convey love and compassion when we are grounded in the experience of being loved ourselves.… (Rohr, 2023)

We are nudged by the Spirit to make decisions about our loving actions that may generate decisions to separate by some people, even as we experience the fullness of life in our choice.

References

Alexander, A. (2023, October 26). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/102623.html 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12?49 

Meditation on Romans 6:19-23. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/10/26/814421/ 

Psalms, PSALM 1 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/1?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, October 26). Mechthild's Call to Compassion — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/mechthilds-call-to-compassion/ 

Romans, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/6?19 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Came to Cast Fire upon the Earth. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 26, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=oct26