Forgiveness

(I preached this sermon on Sunday, Sept 13, 2020 in response to the Gospel reading — Matthew 18:21–35 — where Jesus tells Peter to offer forgiveness 70 times 7 times. You can see the entire service or skip to the sermon by visiting www.ststephenlc.org)

Chris, a man in his 50’s, called his pastor. “My father is dying.” He said. “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that Chris. What can I do for you?” “I don’t know. But I needed to call. I need to talk,” He said. “Ok. Then talk to me, I’ll listen” came back the response from the pastor.

Over the next several minutes what transpired was a confession of sorts. Chris started talking and the longer he went, the deeper it got. He shared many things about his father — things that had been stored up inside for a long time. Things that he was afraid to talk about before now. Things that had kept him in a sort of bondage of fear and anger. He was a person who liked to feel like he was in control. Yet, often, this was nothing more than an overcompensation for a part of his life that had never been in control.

“My father is an alcoholic” he said. He talked about what that it was like growing up with an alcoholic father — the fear that was always present. He talked about living above the bar that his father would go and drink at. And then come home drunk. Tears were flowing now.

The pastor sat and listened. And when Chris finished his confession, he stopped and asked this question — “What do I do? My father is dying, I can’t continue to hold onto all of this. It is too much of a burden. What…