Struggling with forgiveness? Explore reflections on Matthew 18:21-35, personal experiences, and practical steps to foster forgiveness within your family.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
This Gospel passage always gets me right in the gut. How many times have I held a grudge and taken too long to forgive? How many times have I been the one desperately wanting someone to forgive me? Forgiveness is something I have struggled with.
Growing up, I always remember my parents telling me to say I’m sorry. I think it was this persistent training that makes it easy for me to blurt out “I’m so sorry!” when I make a mistake. Of course, we want our children to apologize, but are we teaching the same lesson about forgiveness? I know that, for me, the words “I forgive you” are so much harder for me to get out! When one of my children or spouse apologizes, those three little words somehow get trapped in my throat. It takes extra effort not only to get them out but also to genuinely mean them. I better go practice saying them at least seven times a day. No, make that 77 times!
The unforgiving servant in the passage gives us a clear example of how not to act. Even though Jesus’s instructions are clear to us in this passage, forgiveness does not always come easily.
Ponder:
What grudges am I holding onto in my heart, and whom do I need to forgive today?
Pray:
Jesus, thank You for the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Help us to completely detach from our sinful, unforgiving ways and to be more merciful and forgiving, like You.
Pray Together:
Do an Examination of Conscience as a family and particularly focus on any grudges or anger that you may be holding onto. If the members of your family are old enough, go together as a family to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Take everyone out for ice cream after to celebrate!
Copyright 2026 Alex Resch
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