“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother?… I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” – Matthew 18:21-22 –
After a hard 12-hour shift, a surgeon saves a teenager’s life.
As she carefully stitches the final wound, she notices old scars—knife marks from a street fight years ago. The nurse beside her whispers softly, “That’s the boy who stabbed your son… and left him in a coma for a long time.” Her hands freeze. Then, with steady calm, she finishes the sutures and quietly says, “Some wounds heal only when we stop counting.”
Forgiveness isn’t pretending the wound doesn’t exist or minimising the pain. It’s a courageous choice to heal instead of reopening old scars. Jesus’ command to forgive seventy-seven times (Matt18:22) isn’t about keeping score—it breaks the endless cycle of hurt and bitterness.
Like a skilled surgeon carefully stitching over painful scars, every act of mercy we sew over another’s offence reflects the cross that covers our own sins (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness frees both the forgiver and the forgiven, creating space for God’s healing power to work in our hearts.
That name or face that tightens your chest—today, stitch one act of mercy over that scar. Let go, not because they deserve it, but because you have been set free.
A Journey of Reflection and Action
To put today’s reflection into practice, take a quiet moment to journal about a hurt or offence you’ve been holding onto. Meditate on Matthew 18:21-22 and Colossians 3:13, asking God for the grace to let go. Pray for the person involved, even if your emotions don’t match the words. Share this message with a friend or family member who may be struggling with forgiveness, and discuss how God’s mercy can break cycles of pain. Consider committing to a week of daily gratitude and prayer for healing, focusing on those who have wronged you. Let each step be a stitch of mercy that brings you closer to the heart of Christ.
Join Us in Prayer
Lord Jesus, You forgave us beyond measure, even when we were undeserving. Teach us to release every offence, to stop counting wrongs, and to stitch mercy where wounds once lived. Heal our hearts, and let Your love flow through us to others. Amen.
Follow us daily at www.dailyfaithechoes.org for more Christ-centred inspiration. Share this message across your social media, and help spread the Gospel of Jesus by simply telling someone today about His love and mercy. Volunteer your voice—every believer is a messenger.
Scripture verse from the Catholic Daily Reading for August 14, 2025.
Read more here: First Reading: Amos 8: 4-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 113: 1-2, 4-6, 7-8
Second Reading: First Timothy 2: 1-8
Alleluia: Second Corinthians 8: 9
Gospel: Luke 16: 1-13
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