Our readings this week challenge us and remind us about forgiveness. The Genesis reading springs from the family drama that has enfolded Joseph. His father has died, his brothers come to Joseph in fear that the forgiveness he has bestowed upon them all would now end. They are fearful, and they have good reason to be. Joseph would not be human if thoughts of retribution did not cross his mind, and he has the power to exact his revenge. But he continues to practice and promise radical forgiveness to his brothers and family, swearing that he will continue to extend his forgiveness after the death of their father. His generous forgiveness is a manifestation of the even greater forgiveness that God practices, a response to the repentant pleas of his brothers. His is not an abstract act. He has plenty of cause to exact vengeance, to get recompense for his sufferings. Yet he chooses to be merciful to live out forgiveness even when it is costly.
Our other texts serve as warnings to practice this same kind of forgiveness, to not judge, to forgive others and to be aware that God is the one true judge. When we refuse to forgive, when we judge harshly, ultimately we will be ones held accountable by God. Yet this is not a message of rigidity and punishment, but of unlimited grace and love. The commendation to forgive ’77 times’ really means eternal forgiveness, forgiveness without ceasing as the number 7 has special significance in Judaic tradition, an infinite number. This is forgiving that wipes clean and sets free, liberates, and heals, mends, and rebuilds.
Sunday 17th September– 11th Sunday after Trinity
10am: Sung Baptism Service-Revd Diane-St. Mary’s
10.30am: Sung Baptism Service-Revd. Lizzie-All Saints
The Week Ahead
Tuesday 19th September: 10.30am – Music for Toddlers
Wednesday 20th September: 9am – Celtic Morning Prayer – All Saints
Thursday 21st September: 10am St Matthew – Holy Communion – St Marys
7.30pm – PCC – Parish Room
Saturday 23rd September: 12.00 – 2pm –Saturday Lunches : St Marys
11am – Communion in the Wood
Sunday 24 September
8am – Holy Communion: All Saints
10.00 – Sung Holy Communion: St Marys
10.30am – Café Church: All Saints
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen
Blessings
Rev Kester de Oliveira
St Mary's, Fishponds 