All Souls Catholic Parish, Sanford recently issued the following announcement.

Dear Brothers and Sisters In Christ, 

Compassion and Forgiveness=LOVE Last week we read a surprising message that demands love in the midst of hardship and sacrifice. This moral duty can be traced back to the Old Testament prompting the Prophet Ezekiel to watch, warn, and win Israel over sin and death. We are called to love, because God is Love, and we should owe nothing but love itself. Even gentiles and non-believers ought to be treated with love. 

How generous can we be in forgiving people? Jesus was quick enough to answer Peter that there is no end in forgiveness in God’s Kingdom. Peter knew that Jesus will never ever change His mind in restoring the kingdom through the forgiveness of sin. This instruction of Jesus to Peter will lead the church to its renewal. The fraternal correction we heard last week, and the parable of the unforgiving debtor this weekend stresses the foundation of love. 

Not seven times, and not treating a gentile in judgment and condemnation, but in love for our neighbor. The inability to match the master’s forgiveness, and the hardness of heart from last week’s gospel, is no different from the temptations that we and the children are challenged with today. Indifference, Hatred, Anger, Bitterness, and Prejudice put together is no match for Compassion and Forgiveness, that love can bring. 

Finally, a person who does not forgive may never have experienced the forgiveness of God. 

Let us open ourselves to God who is Kind and Merciful. Let us yearn for the glory that can be ours, ready to open up and serve the Lord in our own humble way. Teach the children to love, and they will live in kindness 

Fr. David Vivero

Original source can be found here.