09/12/2026
Dear parishioners and visitors,
“I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.”
Forgiveness is among the most difficult—and essential—demands of Christian life. In a society wrestling with “cancel culture” and the question of how long to hold people accountable for past actions, Jesus’ unconditional forgiveness offers an ideal worth pursuing, even when it is hard to practice. How can we ask God to “forgive us our trespasses” if we do not “forgive those who trespass against us”?
For victims of domestic abuse, Jesus’ call to forgive repeatedly can be especially difficult. What if a victim is not yet able to forgive, or the offender shows neither repentance nor a willingness to make amends? In such situations, repeated forgiveness can perpetuate abuse rather than bring peace or reconciliation. Forgiveness and reconciliation are complex processes that cannot be reduced to simple formulas.
In teaching mercy and forgiveness, Jesus also considers the person who has been harmed. Christian forgiveness requires that abuse and violence end; love never condones pain or mistreatment. As St. Paul writes in Romans 13:8–10, which we heard last Sunday, “Love does no evil to the neighbor.” When harm has occurred, forgiveness must be understood alongside restitution, an essential step toward healing and reconciliation.
The parable of the unforgiving servant in this Sunday’s gospel illustrates Jesus’ point that forgiveness is as many times as needed. This is for every one of us. God is incredibly generous with each of us, showing us endless mercy despite many faults and failings.
“The inability to forgive another, writes Joan Chittister, certainly arises out of an inability to forgive ourselves. When we refuse to give ourselves permission to be anything but perfect – as if failure did not bring its own lessons in life – we certainly are not able to forgive anyone else.”
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Evelyn Mbandi and Camille Bash for hosting Carmelo Cortez at St. John the Evangelist. Known for his healing ministry and devotion to Mary under the title Mother of the Eucharist and Grace, the Filipino visionary and mystic inspired many who attended the healing service on September 5. Attendees received rose petals bearing sacred images, water becoming fragrant oil, and shimmering gold appearing on petals—signs that, I hope, strengthened people’s faith. Such wonders are meant to draw us closer to the Lord, attentive to the call of the Gospels, and deepen our reflection on the maternal presence of the Virgin Mary in our lives. What a blessing and a gift to witness something extraordinary. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. -Fr. Mel
