Jesus’ story of the unforgiving and merciless official offers a challenge: “Each of you forgives his(her) brother (sister) from his (her) heart.” This applied to the people of Jesus’ time, throughout history and to our own day. Who has not dealt with forgiveness and unforgiveness, personally, among family, acquaintances and in community? On a broader scale, we know that forgiveness and unforgiveness seep out beyond our homes and neighborhoods and affect our world.

February 26, 1993 was the first World Trade Center bombing. We have seen the results of unforgiveness, of harboring hatred and violence. Today, February 26, 2008, our news is filled with examples of global violence and hatred, suffering on an unbelievable scale, that can be traced back to unforgiveness.

We read today a clear warning and mandate. “My heavenly Father will treat you in exactly the same way unless each of you forgives his (her) brother (sister) from his (her) heart.” We are called to respond with mercy and compassion, to forgive 70x7 times. This is not an option. Our individual and collective lives depend upon it.