PAID IN FULL

A certain married couple endlessly quarreled. One day when they weren’t quarrelling, the husband asked his wife, “Dear, how is it possible that after we quarrel each time, you are able to stay so calm and collected the next day? You don't seem to be angry or upset with me anymore. How is it you can remain so collected when I am so upset wanting to shout at you?” The wife says, “Easy! I just clean the toilet.” “What?” “Yes, I just clean the toilet.” “But how is cleaning the toilet able to keep you calm?” “Well, I clean the toilet using your toothbrush.”

Getting even seems to be such a natural instinct. We see it in children. I have two children and revenge occurred regularly. He took my book, so she would crumple up his homework … She took my toy, so he held her favorite toy for ransom. It was so common, so natural! Even when we grow up, things don't change much. Before I left for the Navy, I remember a piece of advice given to me while in the Navy, that went, “Don’t get mad, don’t even; get ahead.” We want to take revenge when someone slanders us; when someone back stabs us; or someone despises us. Then, depending on the degree of the hurt, we tend to hang on to it, forever, until we feel repaid in full. It's funny when it's in kids, it's funny when its trivial things, it's not so funny when things are serious and get out of hand.[1]

In the omitted verses from today’s reading (Dn 3:26-33) Azariah confesses that Israel has sinned and now experiences proper punishment. Today’s verses pick up with his prayer asking God not to punish Israel forever, that he and his companions be received as an acceptable sacrifice, and he asks God to save them and so glorify God’s name.[2] God forgives and saves.

So, it’s very natural, for Peter to ask, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often will must forgive him?” (Mt 18:21) In his human thinking he wanted to know, what's the extent? What's the limit? Surely there must be a limit! There must be some kind of a ceiling to these things because it can't just go on! Do I forgive “as many as seven times?”

Thank goodness God doesn’t treat us the way we often treat one another—especially when it comes to his forgiveness. In fact, each time we muster the courage to come him seeking forgiveness, God is delighted. He forgives our debt, a debt we cannot pay and He withholds not even a smidgen of His unfathomable mercy. God forgives and saves.

God sets us free, with the expectation that we do the same for those who have offended us. To live as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Mt 6:12) As we move to the Liturgy of the Eucharist, I encourage you to listen anew to every word prayed, watching every movement. Allow yourself to enter into this drama of life and salvation. For this is the price, PAID IN FULL, for us and our salvation.

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[1] Gospel Light Christian Church. “How Shall I Forgive” posted August 18, 2019.

[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis by Terrance Callan, PhD.