In the parable for today’s mass, Jesus teaches me to be a man disposed to forgive anyone who has offended me. Why? First of all he shows me the infinite mercy of his Father, who “moved with compassion” forgives. Then, he asks me to remember I am a sinner, who has begged the Father often enough: “Be patient with me.”
To be forgiven means to be disposed to forgive, to remember all that God has done for me: He has forgiven me more than anyone could possibly ask of me. What is essential to make progress in fraternal love is to dwell upon all the favors God has given me.
Pardoning another does not simply mean re-arranging what was once an awkward situation. Being opened to God’s love and forgiveness means becoming more like him, acting toward others as he acts toward me and them. That is how Jesus teaches me what “pity” means.