St. Martha Church, Philadelphia recently issued the following announcement. 

Greetings to my Saint Martha Parish Family! 

In the Gospel reading, for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, from Saint Matthew we hear Jesus continuing the tough teaching heard in the previous weeks. The need to put aside our anger and to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Easy to say. Difficult to practice. 

Saint Peter asked the question of how many times should I forgive my brother? Seven times? In his question he shows a great generosity. A devout Jew at the time of Christ was only required to forgive two or three times according to law and practice so Peter is being generous. Greatly so. But Christ responds that he is to forgive seventy-seven times. Meaning forgiveness is always to be offered. To highlight His teaching, Christ offers a parable that informs His listeners that not only do we always offer forgiveness, but it is how we will be judged by our Heavenly Father. 

We must overcome our grudges and unfortunately at times these grudges define us and that means anger is ruling us not love of neighbor. No one can say we do not have the right to be angry when wronged. But that anger unchecked may become hatred. 

There are times when offering our forgiveness is a cross, but we need to bear it and model our Savior who forgave us from the cross. AND REMEMBER offering forgiveness is how we are judged. 

A difficult teaching but most crucial to our soul’s salvation! 

So, if you need to, get to confession to help you overcome anger and ill will! AND NEVER LOSE HEART AND HAVE PATIENCE! 

God Bless You All! 

Your Servant,

Father Jonathan Dalin

Original source can be found here.