Greetings on this the Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezekiel 12:1-12; Psalm 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62; Matthew 18:21–19:1
Summary
Forgiveness can only be understood in the context of the promise. The promise of divine forgiveness experienced in this life and fulfilled in eternal life.
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?’ (Mt 18:32-33).
If God doesn’t deliver, why should I?
That is the problem Ezekiel is addressing, our inability to see the Lord in action.
So many focus instead as does this proverb: “The days drag on, and every vision fails” (Ez 12:22). Say to them therefore: Thus says the Lord GOD: I will put an end to that proverb; they shall never use it again in Israel. Say to them instead: “The days are at hand and every vision fulfilled.” (Ez 12:23).
Reflection
Jesus calls out the false notion that life is a drudgery and the word of the Lord is without efficacy.
He points out that divine forgiveness given us in measure we cannot fathom is the yardstick we are to measure our own forgiving practices. The psalmist helps us recall the many rescues the Lord has performed for us.
Personal Reflection
May our forgiveness be as Jesus describes be with the same abundance as in our blessings!
Psalm 78 is an historical psalm which recounts all the wonders the Lord has performed for the people. The portion selected for today is fraction of the recurring theme: they accept my blessings but not my law and the cycle of obedience and disobedience results in experience of favor and consequence. Or said more directly: the consequences of disobedience -and unforgiveness- are not sidestepped, but experienced in its own woes.
The Lord answers. In a similar way to the question: “Must I forgive my brother 7 times” and Jesus responded seventy-seven times! So too blessing. Not 7 times… seventy-seven times a blessing!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081326.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Such a meaningful reminder that forgiveness isn’t something we measure or ration. Mercy received becomes mercy given
Well said!! It is good to hear from you again 🙂