Tuesday (1 Cor. 12:12–26; Mt. 18:18–22; 19:1–2, 13–15)

Wishing to know how many times a brother must be forgiven, St. Peter asked, anticipating the answer: ”Shall I forgive him as many as seven times?” (Mt. 18:21). In saying this, he thought he had named the very highest measure. How short is human patience! The Lord, however, applying His own long-suffering to our weaknesses, declared: ”I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Mt. 18:22)—which is the same as saying: always forgive, and do not entertain the thought of not forgiving. All-forgiveness will be the distinguishing mark of the Christian spirit, just as all-forgiveness is the source and constant support of our life in the Lord, from the face of God. Always forgiving everyone for everything is the outward garment of Christian love, which, according to the Apostle, ”suffers long, is kind… is not provoked… bears all things” (1 Cor. 13:4–5, 7).

It is also the most certain guarantee of forgiveness at the last judgment, for if we forgive, ”our heavenly Father will also forgive us” (Mt. 6:14).

Therefore, if you wish to enter paradise—forgive everyone sincerely, from the soul, so that not even a shadow of ill will remains.