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In my parish, there was once a new employee who frequently told me she was sorry for various imperfections in her work. It could be a little tiring. I finally told her, “You know, you don’t have to say ‘sorry’ so often.” She looked me right in the eyes and said, “Father, you’re right. I’m sorry.” Her ear-to-ear grin betrayed that she enjoyed the irony — and that she would keep asking for forgiveness as often as she needed it.

The Gospel reading this week proclaims to us that God, in Jesus, delights in numerous requests for, and the granting of, forgiveness. To Peter’s question, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus responds, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” In other words, Peter, stop counting.

Christian life should be marked by a commitment to frequent forgiveness. God never tires of forgiving us. His limitless love has overcome the power of vengeance, hatred, and division. We tap into that each and every time we ask for forgiveness or extend it to another.

How beautiful our hearts become when they become accustomed to frequent forgiveness! How joyful and attractive become our marriages, families, and parish communities! How light our souls feel when unburdened by the habit of keeping score.

Challenge: Name one thing, small or large, for which you could ask forgiveness from someone in your life. Then do it.

— Father John Muir

©LPi