Forgiveness not mathematical before God’s abundant mercy

Priest Motankane Mahlako explained that receiving God's mercy requires people to forgive others, even if they cannot forget the harm done to them. In a homily for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Mahlako noted that while people may feel justified in seeking revenge after being hurt, holding onto anger allows those sentiments to control their lives.

Drawing from the book of Sirach, Mahlako stated that the Jewish wisdom teacher's writings connect how people treat their neighbors to their relationship with God. He said that asking for mercy from God requires a willingness to forgive others. This choice does not mean the original wrong was insignificant or that a person must pretend it did not happen, but rather that they refuse to let anger and revenge have the final word.

Mahlako suggested that forgiving others, even without an apology, provides freedom. He reminded the community that because life is short, it is not worth carrying hatred for many years.