St Michael Catholic Church recently issued the following announcement.

Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” 

Mt 18:22 This is Jesus’ famous response to the question of how many times we should forgive someone. He emphatically teaches us that we are to be gentle, compassionate, merciful and patient. In our humanness, we are bound to hurt each other. In our divinity, we are also bound to forgive. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are equipped and empowered to love unconditionally. Jesus knows that holding onto resentment and bitterness causes us to poison ourselves. Forgiveness yields freedom, peace and well-being.  Just as we are called to forgive others, we are also called to forgive ourselves with the same kindness and generosity of spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate areas of unforgiveness and bring them into the light of healing and restoration. It’s time to let old grudges dissolve. It’s time to clean up the dusty corners in the basement of our conscience. It’s time to unkink the hose and restore the flow of ease and joy in our lives. It’s time to let others, and ourselves, off the hook.

Original source can be found here.