Matthew 18:21-30 NRSVue
21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if my brother or sister sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
23“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him, 25and, as he could not pay, the lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions and payment to be made. 26So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
The mass killings in the Holocaust have left us some of the most remarkable
stories of forgiveness. This prayer was found in the clothing of a Jew who
was murdered in Ravensbruck camp: /O Lord, remember not only the men and
women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all the
sufferings they have inflicted on us; remember the fruits we have bought
thanks to this suffering -- our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our
courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all
this. And when they come to the judgement, let all the fruits that we have
borne be their forgiveness./