“GENEROUS LENT 2017”
Lenten Reflections
Tuesday, 21st March 2017,
Third Week of Lent
Dan 3:25,34-43;
Ps 25:4-9;
Mt 18:21-35
FORGIVENESS
The Gospel gives us a parable about giving and also receiving forgiveness. Interestingly, it is often easier to forgive than it is to ask forgiveness. Sincerely asking for forgiveness requires that you honestly acknowledge your sin, which is hard to do. It’s hard to take responsibility for what we have done wrong. In this parable, the man asking patience with his debt appears to be sincere. He “fell down” before his master asking for mercy and patience. And the master responded with mercy by forgiving him the entire debt which was more than the servant had even requested.
But, it seems that he was just a good actor because as soon as he was forgiven this huge debt, he ran into someone else who actually owed him money and instead of showing the same forgiveness he was shown, “He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’” Forgiveness, if it is real, must affect everything about us.
Can you honestly see your sin, and say, “I’m sorry” to another?
When you are forgiven, what does that do to you?
Can you in turn offer the same level of forgiveness and mercy to others?
If you cannot answer “Yes” to all of these questions then this parable was written for you. These are hard questions to face but they are essential questions to face if we want to be freed of the burdens of anger and resentment. Let us reflect upon these questions above and prayerfully examine our actions. You and I have great debts which we cannot pay, (for our sins). Well the Lord is calling us today to his court (the confessional) and receive his forgiveness (the Eucharist). With the Holy Spirit's help, let us restore our broken relationships and become instruments of peace.
Prayer: Lord, I do acknowledge my sin. But I acknowledge it in the light of Your abundant grace and mercy. As I receive that mercy in my life, please make me just as merciful toward others. Help me to offer forgiveness freely and fully, holding nothing back. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Holy Habit for Lent: MERCY – Lord help me to just and merciful to all just as You have been to me. Amen.
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