September 13, 2026

Forgiveness Week Two

Peter asks Jesus how often he must forgive someone who sins against him. Seven times? Jesus responds, “Not seven times but seventy-seven times.” In other words, forgiveness has no limit.

That can be a difficult teaching, especially when someone has deeply hurt us. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the wound wasn’t real or saying that what happened was okay. It means refusing to allow that wound to determine how we see another person—or how we live. And we don’t do this alone.

Jesus knows the wound. He knows what happened. He knows why forgiveness can seem impossible. He offers us the grace and healing we need, especially through the sacraments and the Church.

1.What part of Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness do you find most challenging? Why do you think that part is difficult for you?



2.What is the difference between forgiving someone and saying that what they did was acceptable? How can we forgive while still recognizing consequences or maintaining appropriate boundaries?



3.The homily describes all of us as “works in progress.” How does remembering Peter’s denial or Paul’s past help you understand your own struggles with forgiveness?



4.How can refusing to forgive keep a wound open or allow another person’s actions to continue having power over us? Have you ever experienced forgiveness bringing greater freedom or peace?



5.What might be one small step toward forgiveness that Jesus is asking you to take? Perhaps you cannot yet say, “I forgive,” but could you pray: “Jesus, I don’t know how to forgive this person, but I want to let You help me”?