Homily for Thursday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, Jesus points out that it is difficult to forgive the sins of others that have been committed against us. It can also be difficult to forgive the sins that people have committed against others, especially against those whom we love the most.

However, this is what we are called to do. A lack of forgiveness is sinful in nature. It may be a natural response to particular offenses, but we are called to free the other person—and ourselves—by our forgiveness.

Jesus came to earth so that God might forgive us for our transgressions. In response, people who felt threatened by His message put Him to death. From the Cross, as He took His final breaths, He showed us how to forgive when He said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

St. Paul tells us to "be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ."