“WARM WITH GOD’S LOVE”
Lenten Reflections
6thMarch 2018.
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TUESDAY, THIRD WEEK OF LENT
Reading 1: Dan 3:25, 34-43 We share Azariah’s poignant prayer for forgiveness, following upon the admission of guilt for having forsaken the Lord God.
Res. Psalm: Ps 25: 4-9 Remember your mercy, Lord.
Gospel:Mt 18:21-35 With the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus drives home the lesson that we must forgive one another again and again.
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FORGIVE AS GOD FORGIVES
Today we hear of the prayer of Azariah, one of the three young men thrown into a fiery furnace because they were faithful to the commands of God even while they were in exile. This prayer cries out from the heart of the fire, and it is remarkable in its honesty, humility, attentiveness to the honor of God, and awareness of the sinfulness of the whole community. Azariah does not pray for himself but on behalf of the people, with the people, as one of them. It is God’s will that comes first, even in the midst of suffering and death. He prays as a prophet and servant of Yahweh, crying out, “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.” This is the way we are all called to respond, acknowledging that we are far from obedient, far from faithful, and far from holy.
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.
Let us reflect upon whether we are willing to ask forgiveness. You and I have great debts which we cannot pay (our sins), but the Lord is calling us today to his court (the confessional), to 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. Help me to offer forgiveness freely and fully, holding nothing back. Amen.
Lenten Act: Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Can’t remember how? Tell the priest it’s been a while, and ask him to guide you through it.
