Reconciliation and forgiveness are two essential virtues in the Christian life. When we look at our own lives and acknowledge how many times God has forgiven us, we must forgive each other.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, a servant who was forgiven, attacked a fellow servant whom he refused to forgive. The reality is that when we forgive ourselves first, revenge is no longer a choice. Jesus’ model of forgiveness challenges us to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are about God’s mercy. We can all depend on God’s mercy to look beyond our faults. God does not treat us as humans do. Humans often want to decide who is deserving of their forgiveness. In God’s eyes, we are all deserving of forgiveness.

We experience God’s mercy daily. Despite ourselves, God sees our need to be reconciled with each other. We are called to a change of heart that is deeper than just saying “I’m sorry.” It is not easy to let go of the past, especially when we feel hurt, stressed, betrayed, or feel abandoned. We are often stuck until we forgive. When we forgive, it is then that we can be open to healing.

How are we being challenged to forgive as God has forgiven us?