It's a good thing that this week's readings and homily talk about the need for forgiveness as well as how God provides for us in ways that we could not anticipate. In the first reading, the people grumble against Moses, and he looks for ways to meet their needs, which God then provides. In today's Gospel, Jesus converses with a woman who has had five husbands and now lives with a man who is not her husband. He offers her the eternal water which will never leave her thirsty again.
Forgiveness of others, and forgiveness of oneself are both essential in allowing God to work through us to produce good in this world. It is not easy, as there are a number of people and situations that I find quite difficult to forgive. However, by holding onto anger and resentment, all I do is pull that vileness into myself. So we are clear, forgiveness does not mean accepting maltreatment--it means rising above the desire for revenge and looking for the humanity in those who would do us harm, using that forgiveness to make positive change.