Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Priest & Martyr
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy times seven times” (Matthew 18:22).
Being Irish, I have appreciated the definition of Irish alzheimers: “When you forget everything but your resentments.”
The hallmark of the Christian is forgiveness. If it were against the law to be Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? (Today’s remembrance of Maximillian Kolbe give us an example of a saint for whom the answer is an unqualified “YES.”)
When we are disrespected and hurt deeply it is especially hard to forgive, particularly so for someone who has no sorrow for their offence. Wrapped up in anxiety, bitterness, or anger, does our lack of forgiveness hurt us more than the one who sinned against us? Remaining resentful leads to more internal disarray and can consume us.
Forgiving isn’t the same as excusing. On the contrary, forgiveness acknowledges the injustice the other has caused us. But we cannot claim the name of Christ without the effort to forgive. This may seem to require superhuman strength (because it does), and that’s where constant prayer comes into the picture.
As our dear Pope Francis liked to say, “The name of God is mercy,” and one of the first actions of our dearly departed pope was to declare a “Year of Mercy.” If we are to share in God’s work, we too must be merciful (seventy times seven times). This is not an instantaneous thing and requires much effort with kindness and gentleness towards ourselves. The following prayer might help:
My forgiving Lord, your mercy is infinite and unfathomable. You desire to forgive every sin in my life and to restore me completely to a life of perfect union with you. I accept this gift of forgiveness in my life, dear Lord, and I freely choose to offer this same depth of mercy to everyone who ever has or ever will sin against me. I forgive as completely as I can. Please help me to imitate your unending mercy.
Saint Maximillion Kolbe, pray for us. Pope Francis, pray for us.
—Timothy J. Cronin