Table of the Word
First Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34–43
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25:4–5, 6–7, 8–9 (R. 6a)
Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13
Gospel: Matthew 18:21–35
Theme: Mercy Received Must Become Mercy Given
Reflection
In the Gospel today, Peter approaches Jesus with what seems like a generous question:
“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Mt. 18:21)
In Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was already considered sufficient. Peter therefore thought he was being extraordinarily generous by proposing seven times. Yet Jesus surprises him with a deeper call:
“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matt. 18:22)
With this response, Jesus reveals that forgiveness in the Christian life cannot be measured or calculated. It must flow endlessly from a heart transformed by God’s mercy.
To explain this truth, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. A servant who owed the king an enormous debt was forgiven out of compassion. Yet immediately after receiving mercy, he refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a very small amount.
This story exposes a profound spiritual contradiction: receiving mercy but refusing to give it.
In the first reading, Azariah prays in humility while standing in the fiery furnace. He acknowledges the sins of the people and begs for God’s mercy, saying:
“Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy.” (Dan. 3:42)
This prayer teaches us an important spiritual lesson: those who truly recognize their need for God’s mercy become more merciful toward others.
Beloved in Christ, many of us desire God's forgiveness but struggle to forgive those who hurt us. Yet the measure of the mercy we receive is closely connected to the mercy we show. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer we say:
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring the pain caused by others, but it means refusing to allow bitterness and resentment to rule our hearts. When we forgive, we imitate the boundless mercy of God.
During this Lenten season, we are invited to examine our hearts:
Is there someone we have refused to forgive?
Is there resentment that still binds our hearts?
True freedom comes when mercy triumphs over resentment.
Peace be with you!
Prayer
May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray, but make us dedicated to your holy service and at all times obtain for us your help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thought for Today
“Be merciful as your Father is merciful. Nothing makes us so like God as being ready to forgive."
—St. John Chrysostom
Lenten Commitment
Today, let us try to bury every hurt done to us by reaching out to any who offends us.
© Archive 10032026
Gospel: Matthew 18:21–35
Theme: Mercy Received Must Become Mercy Given
Reflection
In the Gospel today, Peter approaches Jesus with what seems like a generous question:
“Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Mt. 18:21)
In Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was already considered sufficient. Peter therefore thought he was being extraordinarily generous by proposing seven times. Yet Jesus surprises him with a deeper call:
“I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matt. 18:22)
With this response, Jesus reveals that forgiveness in the Christian life cannot be measured or calculated. It must flow endlessly from a heart transformed by God’s mercy.
To explain this truth, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. A servant who owed the king an enormous debt was forgiven out of compassion. Yet immediately after receiving mercy, he refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a very small amount.
This story exposes a profound spiritual contradiction: receiving mercy but refusing to give it.
In the first reading, Azariah prays in humility while standing in the fiery furnace. He acknowledges the sins of the people and begs for God’s mercy, saying:
“Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy.” (Dan. 3:42)
This prayer teaches us an important spiritual lesson: those who truly recognize their need for God’s mercy become more merciful toward others.
Beloved in Christ, many of us desire God's forgiveness but struggle to forgive those who hurt us. Yet the measure of the mercy we receive is closely connected to the mercy we show. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer we say:
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring the pain caused by others, but it means refusing to allow bitterness and resentment to rule our hearts. When we forgive, we imitate the boundless mercy of God.
During this Lenten season, we are invited to examine our hearts:
Is there someone we have refused to forgive?
Is there resentment that still binds our hearts?
True freedom comes when mercy triumphs over resentment.
Peace be with you!
Prayer
May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray, but make us dedicated to your holy service and at all times obtain for us your help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thought for Today
“Be merciful as your Father is merciful. Nothing makes us so like God as being ready to forgive."
—St. John Chrysostom
Lenten Commitment
Today, let us try to bury every hurt done to us by reaching out to any who offends us.
© Archive 10032026
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