As children of our merciful heavenly Father, Jesus teaches us that we too must extend his mercy and forgiveness to those who have wronged us.  This can be extremely difficult, but by participating in His merciful love (His grace) we are able to forgive, which in turn sets us free from tangled webs of unforgiveness. 

"The love of Christ impels us" St. Paul once wrote.  It is the love of Jesus that can give us the courage to reach address the sin of another, not as their judge, but as their brother or sister in the Lord seeking to help them.  Disciples share in the very life of Jesus and the Church continues his rescue mission...

From the lofty heights of being called "blessed" and "the rock" upon which Jesus will build His Church, where hear Peter in today's gospel tumble to the depths of being called "Satan" and "a stumbling block" by Jesus.  What led to such different responses from Jesus?  Inspired thought vs. human thinking.  The Lord implores us to deny ourselves for His sake and to not be conformed to this age, but transformed by the renewal of our minds.