Forgiveness and Mercy - On the Road to General Convention

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’ Matthew 18:21-35

The Episcopal Church gathers as a whole beginning this Sunday for a week's time. Folks come from across the country and many parts of the world to pray and make decisions together. And like every family, we often don't agree and can hurt and be hurt by one another. It is too easy to storm off mad, and much harder to forgive in our hearts. We desperately want our way as normal human beings. Yet we have been given a bigger call, that to love and forgive all of them, however hard they hurt us. As we take off for Louisville, KY, I am reminded my first work is always love and forgiveness. God's work and the church gathered is never an easy place to be. Yet may we all join together as siblings, more ready to forgive and love than ever before.

Gracious Creator, you made us in your image

diverse, complex and with multiple voices

and in our wrangling, we often become hurtful

yet you provide a new forgiving heart to us all.

It is painful when we lose and when we are hurt

too often we lash out in our pain and frustration

yet your forgiveness is an ever-flowing stream

and you never limit your forgiveness to us all.

Lord be near and present in all our deliberations

make us always ready to offer love and forgiveness

give us your heart and pour your Holy Spirit on us

so we might show your love among the needy world. Amen.