Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Luke 17: 1-6
Lord, increase our faith to forgive

Today, the Gospel presents us with three distinct messages from Jesus. The first addresses how to prevent causing scandal or leading the little ones astray, the second emphasises the significance of forgiveness, and the third highlights our faith in God.

To cause scandal refers to leading people to stumble. To scandalise the little ones means to be the reason for their separation from God and to cause them to lose their faith in Him.

Anyone who touches the little ones touches Jesus! Even though we claim to have faith in God, our inappropriate actions and scandalous way of living have often driven the little ones away from the Church, leading them to lose their ability to believe. Up to what point are we guilty? Do we also deserve the millstone around the neck?

Forgive your brother—even if he wrongs you seven times a day and seeks forgiveness each time. Forgiveness and reconciliation are central themes for Jesus, and He grants this power to Peter, the Apostles, and the community. There is no proportion between the pardon we receive from God and the pardon we have to offer our neighbour. The pardon with which God forgives us gratuitously is like ten thousand talents compared to one hundred denarii (Mt 18: 23- 35).

Forgiveness is not a simple task. Only through deep faith in God can we cultivate a love so profound that it enables us to forgive our brother who wrongs us seventy times seven. That is why the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” To the world, such forgiveness may appear foolish and scandalous. Yet, for us Christians, this attitude represents divine wisdom, which grants us forgiveness beyond measure.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024