My Dear People,

In order to achieve reconciliation and not condemnation, Jesus speaks to the Disciples informing them of the guidelines of their juridical and sacramental role in enforcing the authority to interpret the Law and who will dispense the forgiveness of sins for the New Covenant community. 

Jesus speaks to the Apostles to eliminate scandals in the church and for the saving of souls which is relegated to the fraternal correction.  If one has offended you, which, to you would be scandalous, because you do not like it, you must make him understand and exhort him on the necessity of amending his life. 

If the scandalous person does not listen to correction, it is necessary to speak to others, until one arrives with the authority to convince him of the necessity to amend his behavior. This is the legal way it is done in the court of law. If he does not amend his life, then it is important to notify the authority of the Church which should provide exhortation and sanctions. 

If he does not listen even to the Church, he severs himself from the community. One must avoid him as people avoid pagans without faith; and as a sinner who is dangerous for others. That person must be re-evangelized as pagans are evangelized, because evidently he does not understand the gospels. 

Jesus warns us that what the Church loosens on earth is loosened in Heaven, and what the Church binds on earth is bound in Heaven. This means that the church speaks authoritatively either through Peter, (i. e. his successors) or the Twelve (that is, the Bishops, united) for example,  an Ecumenical Council. One must not treat this lightly. This is an extreme measure as a remedy against those who bring on scandals. 

Jesus does not want this extreme point to ever arrive. One must pray inspired by mercy.   Christ said prayer inspired by charity is listened to in heaven. He himself, Redeemer of souls, is in the middle of those that are united with Him in His name. Christ was speaking of the efficacy of any prayer which is done in community, but also directly speaking to prayer when enacted for those who are scandalous, and he portrays the necessity to use mercy. 

For this reason, St. Peter, who was elected the leader of the Church, and to whom the cases of the faithful were to be relegated, questions Jesus on how many times one must forgive another who asks for forgiveness. Peter wanted to limit forgiveness to seven times. However, Jesus tells him that he should do it until it is seventy times seven.  The mercy of God directed toward sinners must be without borders, i.e. limits. 

[Most of the passages were taken from the priest Don. Dolindo Ruotolo on the Gospels]

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vincent Clemente