Jesus commands us to forgive people from our heart (Mt 18:35). In the context of today's parable, that means we must, in our heart, consider the account paid off, closed forever. The books have been balanced, the debt has been paid, and the slate has been wiped clean.

How can we determine if we've forgiven others from our heart? If we continue to look for some kind of reward or return from those who hurt us, we have not truly forgiven from our heart. If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, you have not closed the books yet on the account:

• If the spouse who has hurt you so much is praised in public, are you inwardly angry and looking for justice?
• Are you disturbed if those who damaged your reputation are honored by your co-workers, respected by your fellow parishioners, or successful in their projects?
• Do you find yourself dreaming about the other person being shamefully exposed and yourself fully vindicated?
• Do you "keep score" of old wounds? (see 1 Cor 13:5)

Jesus forgave from His heart (Lk 23:34). His immediate reward for this was to be publicly mocked, humiliated, and brutalized. He had so much love and forgiveness for us that He refused to count the cost of forgiving us from the heart. He silently bore our punishment, and we got off free.

Imitate Jesus. Forgive first. Forgive to the point of looking bad yourself. Forgive completely. Forgive regardless of the cost. Forgive from your heart.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Giles H. Pater, August 18 8, 2004

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 23, 2004