August 13, 2026
Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus
Divine Forgiveness
Jesus answered, “…not seven times but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:22

Spiritual masters note that the journey of living faith involves taking on the perspective of God. To see as God sees is the path to interior holiness and to personal witness and missionary discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ.

When Peter approaches Jesus asking, “Lord…how often must I forgive him?” (v. 21), he is expressing a very human approach to forgiveness. We count the wrongs done and calculate the amount of forgiveness to be measured out according to human scales of justice and payback.

Jesus will have none of our human standard of for­giveness. The Son of God invites Peter, and us, to see as God sees. God looks on a fallen world with immeasurable compassion and mercy. God’s relentless forgiveness is summed up in the measure that knows no end: “seventy-seven times!” Let us ask the Lord to give us eyes of faith to see the world as God sees!

- Jem Sullivan, PhD

Ezekiel 12:1-12 ✚ Psalm 78:56-59, 61-62 ✚ Matthew 18:21—19:1
Number 77 on door. Image by nowyn | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

freeter
August 13, 2026 at 11:29 AM

Amen! :)

Patrick
August 13, 2026 at 10:50 AM

It has been said that everyone agrees that forgiveness is a wonderful value, until they have someone to forgive. Yet, the more aware we become of ourselves as forgiven sinners, the freer we will become to forgive those who sin against us. ——— It doesn’t mean that forgiving in a serious situation will come easily to us. It may take time, but is always the right thing to do. Freedom from the pain of harbouring anger and resentment is always worth the effort.

Salina (not in control)
August 13, 2026 at 10:22 AM

AI Mode… Forgiveness is the bridge that connects repentance (turning away from sin) to sanctification (becoming holy and like Christ) *** 1. Repentance Clears the Way for Forgiveness. Repentance means changing your mind and your direction. It is not just feeling bad about a mistake; it means agreeing with God that the mistake was wrong and choosing to turn away from it *** 2. Forgiveness Powers Sanctification. Sanctification is a lifelong journey of growing closer to God and becoming a better person. You cannot start or continue this journey if you are weighed down by guilt. *** 3. The Continuous...
Read more

Salina (not in control)
August 13, 2026 at 10:01 AM

******* Prophecy in Ezekiel 12:10-14, “Tell them, ‘The Lord and King says, “This prophecy is about Zedekiah, the prince in Jerusalem. It is also about all the Israelites who still live there.” ’ Tell them, ‘The things I’ve done are a picture of what’s going to happen to you. “ ‘So what I’ve done will happen to you. You will be forced to leave home. You will be taken to Babylon as prisoners.’ “The prince among them will put his things on his shoulder and leave. He will do this at sunset. Someone will dig a hole in the city wall for him to go...
Read more

Jeff M
August 13, 2026 at 09:59 AM

I am currently serving on a Cursillo team - a Catholic, three-day weekend renewal program. The theme of our weekend is taken from John 13:34, "Love one another as I have loved you". How has Jesus loved me? With a lot of forgiveness, since I am a sinful man. So how does He expect me to love others? With much forgiveness also. I find it difficult at times, but I know this is what He expects of me and He will be there for me to strengthen and guide me on my life's journey. Lord, help me to forgive others...
Read more

Kjc
August 13, 2026 at 12:21 PM

I attended cursillo in the late 70's. As a participant good luck. "De Colores" Ken

Salina (not in control)
August 13, 2026 at 10:06 AM

Praying for God’s out pouring Spirit upon your team and the attendees this weekend in 1 Thessalonians 2:8, “we cared for you. We loved you so much. So we were happy to share with you God’s Good News. We were also happy to share our lives with you!”

Stormi
August 13, 2026 at 09:03 AM

Jem thank you for those insightful words. I reflect on how human I truly am. May God guide my humanness and give me the strength to understand how to forgive and when to remain or to forgive from a distance. I am staying with a friend right now that has a very kind loving heart and helps so many people in many ways yet, is VERY judgemental of those people and others actions or ways. She doesn't see that even if it isn't her way of doing something doesn't mean it's the wrong way. I pray for the strength to...
Read more

CBR
August 13, 2026 at 08:59 AM

Lord give me the faith that you have to see people like you see them please in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

ADV
August 13, 2026 at 08:50 AM

AMEN!

Gary
August 13, 2026 at 08:44 AM

Amen!

Holly
August 13, 2026 at 08:39 AM

Amen.

Scott
August 13, 2026 at 08:08 AM

Blessings Jem for the devotional words inspired by the Spirit. Forgiveness is not something to take for granted. I find myself asking for forgiveness and becoming a better person by knowing that I am forgiven of my sins. It is hard though to live with amends to the people I have hurt through my past actions. It is time to be trusting and having the strength in my faith to stay away from past actions that have hurt myself, my family and isolating myself. I began to trust in God as I know and understand the Spirit deep within me...
Read more

Mike
August 13, 2026 at 08:06 AM

Amen

Cheryl
August 13, 2026 at 02:14 AM

Amen...Lord, help us all to be more Christ like and live as you wanted us to live

Debbie H
August 13, 2026 at 08:12 AM

Amen.

Number 77 on door. Image by nowyn | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

STAY CONNECTED

Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.

Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email

About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us

© 2026 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.