Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Readings: Dn 3:25, 34-43; PS 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Mt 18:21-35
Notes
In the Our Father the only thing we promise is to forgive. Jesus gave us this prayer. It contains one responsibility. To Forgive.
In our first reading today, from the Book Of Daniel, we read the supplication and praise from Azariah in the midst of torment within the flames. A wonderful story of reliance upon the Lord in the most difficult of circumstances. Forgiveness is central to Azariah’s prayer. A recognition of the sinfulness of a Nation, people and person. The rebuke of King Nebuchadnezzar is mild given the circumstances.
Shame. Not a shame to damnation but shame to conversion.
Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants that trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God (Dan 3:95).
Summary
While the fiery furnace prayer of Azariah contains an oblique reference to forgiveness (and the intention of forgiveness) the gospel portion today is much,much obvious.
Reflection
This is how you are to pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.
If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.
Matthew 6:9-15.
Personal Reflection
Forgiveness is no easy task but its measure is infinite.
That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’
You have no salvation Unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart. Here is the great news. This forgiveness promise is given its strength and efficacy from the forgiveness we seek for ourselves. You don’t forgive alone in the heart. You do so by the power of God. It is the presence of God in your heart that brings the forgiveness. Let his presence be made fully known. Pass on the forgiveness.
Your prayer: Lord, help me to forgive as you have forgiven me.
First Reading
The Fiery Furnace.
But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. And now we follow you with our whole heart, we fear you and we pray to you. Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”
Responsorial
Remember your mercies, O Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart; for I am gracious and merciful.
Gospel
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
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Forgive and release yourself from their control and power. Forgive, but don’t forget. It is important to know who you can’t trust, especially if they are repeat offenders and show no sign of change or growth.
Absolutely.