TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT
Forgiveness beyond boundaries
The Word: Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Table of the Word: I R.: Daniel 3:2, 11-20
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5ab.6 and 7cd.8-9 (R. 6a)
Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
Inspiration: It is not strange that forgiveness has been a recurring theme during this period. As a matter of fact, we cannot talk of reconciliation without forgiveness. Though both terms are similar but have different meanings as reconciliation means “to cease fire”; while forgiveness denotes an act of showing pity or clemency. There must be forgiveness before we can think of reconciliation. That is why today’s gospel pericope exhorts us to forgive one another if we long to be forgiven by God. (cf. Matt. 18:35).
The steadfastness love of the Lord is ever renewed every now and then, and His readiness to reconcile us to Himself is certain provided we are ready to be reconciled. The Psalmist says: “If you, Lord, should keep account of sins, who could hold his ground? But with you is forgiveness, so that you may be revered.” (Ps. 130:3-4).
If God out of His gratuitousness does not count our iniquities, who are we then to hold grudges against one another? We are nothing but beggars before the Lord pleading for mercy for our sins. The story of that “wicked servant” as addressed by the King paints us in clear picture (cf. Matthew 18:21-35). We are always asking God to forgive us, show us mercy and answer our calls. But how often do we forgive others? When last did we give a leaning shoulder to one who hurts us but in danger? Why do we create comfort zone out of suffocating space of others? It is against this attitude that St. Paul while addressing the Church in Ephesus says: “Be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” (Ephesians 1:7).
On another note, we are obliged to acknowledge our transgression no matter how dirty or scandalous it may seems as Prophet Daniel did in the first reading; since God is ever ready to purge us of our iniquities and make us anew in Him. But when we lost the sight of our sins, then we are swimming into doom which drown us.
The gospel acclamation gives us an instant invitation to seek for reconciliation with God through Prophet Joel: "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful." (Joel 2:12-13); let us in faith approach God with a contrite heart and humble spirit, for in doing this we will certainly regain our rightful place.
Finally, Let our hearts be torn and not our garments. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“If a man finds it very hard to forgive injuries, let him look at a crucifix, and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him, and not only forgave His enemies, but even prayed His Heavenly Father to forgive them also. Let him remember that when he says the ‘Our Father,’ everyday, instead of asking pardon for his sins, he is calling down vengeance on himself.”
- St. Philip Neri
Let us pray
O God, our founder and ruler, drive away the sins that assail us, that we may always be pleasing to you and ever safe under your protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 05032024
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