Everything is grace

Last year, I was invited by a priest in Rome to visit him since I was granted a multiple-entry visa after our jubilee pilgrimage. He suggested that it would be good to visit the Diocese of Macerata, given that I had already been to the Vatican. The area has many beautiful sites, including several shrines and important religious locations. 

Fortunate enough to find a cheap ticket, I grabbed the opportunity to go. It was also very timely because I was able to celebrate my sacerdotal anniversary during this pilgrimage.

Presented with several places to visit, I chose the Shrine of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino because his fiesta was approaching and the cura Jeremiah Aquino Adviento back in Punta, Manila is a devotee. I prayed at his tomb and explored the sanctuary. 

Another place I visited was the birthplace of Saint Maria Goretti. I personally chose it because there is a parish in Manila under her title, where my classmate currently serves as parish priest. Since I also work in a school, Saint Maria is a wonderful role model for our young students.

While traveling there, we recounted the life of Saint Maria Goretti. We discussed how she manifested the mercy of God by forgiving her adversary who attacked and attempted to assault her. Though she ultimately died from her injuries, before passing, she forgave her attacker, expressing her deep desire that he, too, would make it to heaven.

Her life is a powerful illustration of our readings today for this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our liturgy teaches us how merciful God is and how we are called to be compassionate toward one another. As the saying goes, "To err is human; to forgive, divine." 

Our readings highlight three things: first, the wisdom of forgiving; second, that Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins; and third, that true forgiveness must be given without limits or bias. Everyone deserves forgiveness.

The Wisdom of Forgiving

In the First Reading from the Book of Sirach, we are presented with profound ancient wisdom: "Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be forgiven when you pray." Sirach exposes the absurdity of nursing anger while expecting God's compassion. 

Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Nowadays, many illnesses are linked to stress and emotional burdens. Forgiving and letting go of grudges heals us not only spiritually, but physically as well. 

It is wise to forgive because it unburdens us from bitterness and brings healing to our relationships and our bodies. Kung gusto mong gumaan ang pakiramdam mo, magpatawad ka.

The Reason for Christ’s Sacrifice

In the Second Reading, Saint Paul reminds us: "If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord." This brings us to the very core of our faith: why did Jesus die on the Cross? He gave His life to bridge the gap of sins that separates us from God. It is a debt we could never pay on our own. His death was the ultimate price paid for the forgiveness of our sins.

This coming Monday, we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which reminds us of the reason Christ came to earth: to bring forgiveness of sins and restore our relationship with God. Kapag nakita natin ang krus ni Hesus, tayo ay pinapaalalahanang magpatawad.

Forgiving Without Limits or Conditions

When Peter asks Jesus in today's Gospel whether he should forgive a brother up to seven times, he believes he is being extraordinarily generous. But Jesus shatters human accounting: "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." 

Christ demands:

First, to forgive without limits: Hindi dapat tayo nagbibilang kung ilang beses tayo magpapatawad, kasi kahit ilang beses tayo humingi ng tawad sa Diyos, tayo ay pinapatawad. Mercy is not a tally sheet; it must be an unending habit of the heart.

Second, to forgive without bias: We cannot reserve forgiveness only for those who look like us, share our views, or earn our affection. Dapat kapag nagpatawad tayo, hindi natin pinipili, kasi ang Diyos ay hindi namimili.

Lastly, to forgive without counting the cost or gravity: No matter how deep the offense, Christ calls us to release the debt, just as the king in the parable forgave an impossible debt for his servant. 

'Yan ang kagandahan sa mga bata—kapag nag-away, sandali lang, bati at balik agad sa paglalaro. Pero ang mga matatanda, kapag nag-away, habang-buhay nang walang pansinan. Paalala sa atin ngayon: kapag magpapatawad tayo, dapat walang bilangan, walang pilian, at walang sukatan.

Before reaching the birthplace of Saint Maria Goretti, my priest companion mentioned that there were rumors and local discussions regarding opening the cause for beatification of Alessandro Serenelli—the man who murdered Saint Maria Goretti. 

After serving 27 years in prison, he genuinely converted and became a lay Franciscan. There is also an account of a vision of Saint Maria Goretti offering 14 lilies to him—a symbol of the 14 wounds he inflicted—which sparked his conversion. 

He even testified during Saint Maria's beatification process. His dramatic spiritual turnaround prompted some to consider this cause.

Initially, my companion felt it might set a complex precedent, and I agreed at first—it is difficult for our human nature to accept a former violent offender as a holy model. Yet, as we discussed the deeper implications of God's grace, we were reminded of the meaning of Divine Mercy. 

A profound silence fell over us, and I told him, "Parang may anghel na dumaan." Both of us realized that no human mind can fathom the depth of God's mercy and love. We agreed to leave everything in God's hands.

As I prepare to celebrate my sacerdotal anniversary on September 19—a season shared by many priests in Manila—I am deeply reminded of my own unworthiness. I became a priest not by my own merit, but purely through God's mercy and goodness. 

Through His forgiveness, I stand as a priest today. Everything is grace.

Father Mark Munda is the head of the Archdiocese of Manila Educational System-Cluster III.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the author are his own and do not in any way reflect those of Paraluman News.