The question is about forgiving the brother and not the stranger

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 18:21-35*

*First Reading - Dn 3:25, 34-43*

*The question is about forgiving the brother and not the stranger*

*1) If my brother sins against me*

When Peter asked this question, he is very clear about whom he wanted to forgive 

He says *if my brother sins*. So it is very clear that he is speaking about a relationship, which is very close to each other 

So the concept of *brother* has a deep meaning in this context 

*2) Peter didn't say if a stranger or a enemy sins against me*

We need to reflect about the stranger or an enemy in this context in order to understand the importance of *Brother*

In reality one can't forgive a enemy or an stranger, because the moment one is ready to forgive other, they no more remain as a stranger or in enmity.

*3) Importance of the concept of Brother*

First of all this concept underlines the importance of the relationship 

Unless one considers another as his brother or sister one can't forgive the other 

Forgiveness can take place only with brothers and sisters 

*4) The concept "brother" calls us to see the relationship beyond our family or blood relationship*

The mention of brother calls us to extend our relationship beyond our family circles 

Brother is not referred only to the family relationship, but it calls us to see another as brother or sister 

Only in an atmosphere of brother and sister relationship one can forgive and other can receive forgiveness 

*5) Fratelli Tutti*

The third encyclical of Pope Francis *Fratelli Tutti* we are all brothers and sisters speaks of this particular concept in a deeper level 

We should consider that the entire humanity is related as brothers and sisters 

Only when we have such a relationship the genuine fratelli tutti happens 

Only in the Fratelli Tutti relationship one can forgive and receive forgiveness

*6) Forgiveness makes you brothers and sisters*

Forgiveness no longer makes you to remain as stranger 

The moment one experiences the forgiveness, automatically the brotherly or sisterly feeling becomes so strong, it gives a new direction to our life 

So forgiveness is the real foundation for genuine Fratelli tutti

*7) Am I able to see a brother or sister in my enemies*

Unless there is an brother or sister in my so called enemy I can't forgive others

It is a new and great challenge to all of us to consider our enemy as bother or sister 

Sr Rani Marias murderer, today no more remains as murderer because he was considered as the family member of Sr Rani and he is forgiven fully 

So a great change in the murderer. Today he is a hero through forgiveness

So that is the power of forgiveness, when it comes in the context of brothers and sisters 

Am I ready to consider everyone as my bother or Sister?

Think about it 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*