Saturday, September 12, 2020

Right for the Goose, Right for the Gander

 ONLINE REFLECTION, ST. PAUL’S, FOLEY – PROPER 19, YEAR A

SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

 

TEXT:               MATTHEW 18:21-35

 

Today we observe the 15th Sunday after Pentecost.  Let’s open with the collect for today, from Proper 19.

 

Collect for Proper 19

 

You know, there are times when scripture, and I guess Jesus, go from “preachin’ to meddlin’.”  Today is one of those examples with the gospel lesson from Matthew 18.

 

Peter asks Jesus: “How often should I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  As many as seven times?”  Peter probably thought he was being pious and generous with his suggestion.

 

But Jesus surprises him – and us. “No, I tell you seventy-seven times.”  Some translations render Jesus’ response as “seventy times seven” – in other words, 490 times!

 

It doesn’t matter.  It’s not an issue of math or counting.  It’s an issue of generosity and grace.  We are to forgive without limits.  Without counting.  Without restrictions.

 

It might be tempting to think, “Jesus hasn’t walked in my shoes.  He doesn’t know what the particulars.  He doesn’t know how I’ve been wronged.  He’s out-of-touch with reality.”

 

I guess we could say he doesn’t know the specifics – and that generosity is not practical in today’s world. Who would people think we are? Suckers?

 

And then I remember.  Those few words in the Lord’s Prayer – the prayer that is at the heart of every church service, and is on many lips every day: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

 

I guess we could say several old sayings apply: “What’s right for the goose is right for the gander,” or “The measure you give is the measure you get.”

 

Think of how grace has touched your life.  Think of all you have been forgiven.  Yes, those things known only to you.  Your slate is wiped clean.  So, why should you not do the same? That is precisely what Jesus asks us to do.

 

No one ever said the gospel was realistic in this world.  But, by our baptism, we are citizens of another world – the Kingdom of God.  It is there that our sins are forgiven generously – and we are asked to release others from their offenses against us.

No comments: