Tuesday, March 21, 2022
Matthew 18:21-35
In a recent fit of spring cleaning, I discovered a small dry-erase board that had been tucked in a drawer. I was confused by the markings, but then realized it was from two years ago, when I found myself a lockdown-induced, impromptu, 2nd grade “teacher.” (Did I have to look up “which number is the denominator” on my phone under the table so my son wouldn’t witness my ineptitude? Yes. Yes, I did. Not my finest hour. Or year. Oh, 2020.)
I found a rag to wipe the board clean, but the black numbers stayed put. A wet rag made a little more progress. Then, after strong efforts with Windex and elbow grease, the numbers were nearly gone, but still left behind the faintest of residue. It was barely there, but you could still make out every stroke of the marker from two years ago.
In the parable from today’s reading, Jesus says to “forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Why the distinction, “from your heart”? Perhaps Jesus is calling us beyond the quick-wipe forgiveness, the one that leaves behind a vague holding of grudges. Does true, Christ-like forgiveness wipe the slate clean? And if we can’t, can we give the rest – those faint remains that just won’t budge -- over to Jesus? A tough order, for sure, but definitely one from the heart.
Reflection by Jenny Fairchild
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