Ordinary Time Week 14

Psalm: Psalm 114 or Psalm 103:1-7, 8-13 

Old Testament: Exodus 14:19-31
or Genesis 50:15-21 

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35 

Epistle: Romans 14:1-12

This week, our theme is about forgiveness, something we have discussed before on this blog. Last year, during the season of Lent, we discussed Jesus’ first word from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In fact, we used this very parable to help us explore this idea. Forgiveness is central to the Christian story because of the forgiveness we have received in Christ. This is the thrust of the parable in Matthew 18. There is the contrast between the servant who has a debt of between $2-3 billion forgiven, and his actions of not even allowing his debtor extra time to pay off a debt of less than $6,000. We, who have been forgiven so much by God, cannot then withhold forgiveness from those who wrong us. This concept is pretty straightforward, actually, and we can all agree rationally that we should forgive. However, when it comes to us being wrong and really feeling hurt, forgiveness is a difficult thing. I discussed in my previous post how we need to develop the fruits of the Spirits, and our relationship with Christ, so when those hard times come, forgiveness and grace is easier to extend. 

A great example of this is from the life of Joseph in the reading from Genesis. In chapter 49, Jacob dies and Joseph’s brothers are worried that now Joseph will take revenge of them for the harm the caused. If there was ever a person who would want revenge and to withhold forgiveness, it would be Joseph. He was betrayed, almost killed, sold into slavery in a foreign land, and put in prison. He had ascended to a place below only Pharaoh, and if he sought revenge, he would still be second in command. I am not sure what crossed Joseph’s mind when his dad died and he was open to seek revenge. However, we do know that when his brothers wrote him a letter asking for mercy, Joseph cried and was hurt that they would even think that he would seek revenge. Joseph had faced this temptation before. He had multiple opportunities to seek revenge, yet every time he had extended grace and mercy. So now, forgiveness was easy to extend because he had followed God and done it all along. Joseph was faithful to extend mercy and forgiveness time after time and each time it seemed to get easier. Joseph didn’t even consider revenge; it’s his brothers who brought it up.

 

Joseph’s life is a great study of what it means to be make faithful, godly decisions every day so that when large challenges come, one can still remain faithful. Remember the episode with Potiphar’s wife?  Joseph didn’t think about sinning with her for a second. Every time she came to him, he resisted. This type of strength comes out of a strong and deep relationship with God. One of the defining beliefs that Joseph held is summed up in what he told his brothers in chapter 50, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (19) All throughout his life, people tried to harm him, and yet, every time Joseph saw that God could work through any circumstance. Rather than being bitter or seeking revenge, every time Joseph choose to trust God to bring about God’s purposes.

 

The Romans passage is another example of how we are to be in relation with each other. It does not mention forgiveness, but it discusses how each person is live faithful to their own convictions. Some the Romans were not offended by eating meat sacrificed to idols because they knew the idols weren’t real, and others wouldn’t eat the meat perhaps to stand out against the idol worshiping culture. Paul says whether you eat the meat or you don’t, you can’t judge those who do differently. This is a concept that we still struggle with today. I’m sure we can think of many examples: shorts or slacks to church? Hymns or choruses? Creation care or who cares God is going to destroy this earth anyway? Nazarene or Baptist? Republican or Democratic? Political or apolitical? We divide ourselves in so many ways and then we try to discredit those who believe differently than us. The message of the Gospel is so radical because it not only calls us into a community, it calls us to love and forgiveness as well. We are under Christ, forgiven and made new, to live in new ways with those around us. This is the power of Christ in us. May we continue to grow in grace and have Christ the center of our lives and our relationships. Let us trust Christ and be faithful in the small things so that when bigger challenges come, we can remain in him.

 

Grace and Peace.