A Personal Reflection On Matt. 18:21-35: Forgiving Hurt And Hypocrisy
Matthew 18:21-35 All the hypocrisy I witness and the hurt I experience with and from members of the Church tempts my departure from my local parish and even the institution many, many times. More than I want to remember. What good does my departure do for my spiritual well-being and my witness? I miss the instruction of Scripture, receiving the sacraments, and probably even most important of all exemplifying on a human level the patience of Jesus Christ towards those he loves. It is not easy and more hurt recently has been added on top of one committed against me a few years ago by a meddling Church member, and others subsequent to that. I have to reflect and realize that I give God more than enough reason by my own virtue to cut me off, erase me from his will, never to come back. He would be right to do it, Holiness as God's very being, he cannot have sin in his presence; and a sinner I am of the worst. As I understand the great ancient parable, I am forgiven a great