Mercy and Marriage


Cannot forgive?

There are lots of hard sayings of Jesus, such as, “to love your enemies” (Mt 5:43-48, Lk 6:27-36) or “to forgive seventy seven times” (Mt 18:21-35, Lk 17:3-4). In daily relationships, misunderstandings, clashes and wrongs present themselves as the obstacles for reconciliation. One would think that forgiving one’s dear ones may be easier but in reality, this may not be so. It is the dearest one that hurts most and the wound that is the most painful. In family and particularly in spousal relationship, forgiveness requires tremendous effort and a willing spirit. The means to conquer the presence of evil in interpersonal relationships are prayers and God’s forgiveness. The experience of being forgiven by God allows us to grant the same forgiveness to our enemies or neighbours, and the supreme model of forgiveness is the crucified Jesus who said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (Lk 23:34).