Daily Readings - Sun Sep 17 2017
Matthew
21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.23"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.24When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.25And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.26So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'27And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.28But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'29So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'30He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.31When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.32Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.33And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about our relationship with God and our responsibilities toward others. The second reading from Romans reminds us that our lives are not our own; we live and die for the Lord. This passage underscores our ultimate purpose and belonging to God, highlighting that every moment, whether in life or death, is under God’s sovereignty. Christ’s resurrection ensures His dominion over all, reinforcing our commitment to live in accordance with His will.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the unforgiving servant, a stark lesson on the necessity of forgiveness. Peter’s question about the extent of forgiveness is met with Jesus’ call to forgive boundlessly. The parable illustrates a servant who, despite being forgiven a massive debt, refuses to extend the same mercy to another. This refusal leads to severe consequences, teaching us that forgiveness is not optional but essential. It reflects the grace we’ve received and must pass on to others.
These readings connect through the theme of grace and responsibility. In Romans, we recognize our dependence on God’s mercy, while in Matthew, we’re called to extend that mercy to others. Forgiveness is not merely a suggestion but a fundamental aspect of Christian life, mirroring the boundless forgiveness we’ve received. As we navigate our daily lives, let us embrace the grace of God and, in gratitude, extend that grace to others, fostering a community of forgiveness and compassion.