13-08-2026, Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ἀφῆκά (aphēka Gk) (Forgive En) (Mt 18:21,32)
The Word to reflect today is from today’s Gospel passage according to Matthew (18:21–19:1). The word literally means to let go or end away (Mk 4:36); cancel or pardon (Mt 18:27, 32); remit, forgive sins (Mt 6:12, 14; Mk 3:28; Lk 12:10; Rom 4:7; 1 Jn 1:9; 2:12)
The gospel theme revolves around the question of Peter, who asks Jesus, how many times should he ἀφῆκά (forgave) of one who would do something wrong against me. Peter suggests till 7 times. For this Jesus responds not 7 times, but seventy times seven, meaning countless times. Then Jesus goes on to tell his disciples a parable on forgiveness. We have a different version of the same passage in Lk 7:41-43, where Jesus presents a choice as to who loves more, among two people who were forgiven. For Jesus, it is not about how many times we have to forgive, but why are we to forgive?
Psalm 78:38 says “Yet he, being compassionate, ἀφῆκά (forgave) their iniquity, and did not destroy them… The reason we need to forgive, is because it is in our nature to forgive. If we are God’s children, we can forgive. So, if we need forgiveness in our life, and a flow of God’s grace, it happens when we become like God and forgive. However, if we hold out from forgiveness, we won’t allow forgiveness to reach us also (Mt 18:35).
Reflect on the parable in the gospel passage and consider if you have any person who is owed forgiveness by you. Ask God’s help to be compassionate like Him and be able to forgive that person.