Homily, March 22, 2022, Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent.

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 “Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.”

This is the prayer by prophet Azaria, pleading to God on behalf of the people.

How do you discipline your children when they do something wrong? In India, caning is the norm. My parents did the same. Whenever we did something wrong, my mommy would grab the cane to give us a good beating. Of course, we knew what was coming and would run away fast. Mommy would then chase us around the house, trying to get us.

Where could we go? The best trick was to run to grandpa. If we reached him before mommy got us, we will be safe! He would always protect us and plead on our behalf, “don’t cane them, just forgive this time”.

How many times have we been saved by grandpa? I don’t know, maybe more than seventy-seven times.

Peter asks in the Gospel, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?”

He is referring to offences between two persons. If seventy-seven times is how often we should forgive one another, that means our heavenly father will forgive us even more. Because He is merciful and compassionate, like the master in the parable.

It is not easy to forgive someone once, almost impossible to forgive seventy-seven times but the hardest part, is to ask for forgiveness.

To admit wrong and say ‘sorry’ can be challenging to many of us. And so, I really appreciate those who come frequently for reconciliation. This sacrament is not easy, even for me.

We must let go our fear and pride, humble ourselves and trust. God does not own a cane, and He is always ready to forgive us, more than seventy-seven times. Come and be blessed.. 

Amen.


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