Daily Readings - Tue Mar 06 2018
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 powerful themes of mercy, forgiveness, and trust in God. The first reading from Daniel presents Azariah's prayer in the midst of the fiery furnace, a moment of intense trial. Azariah humbly acknowledges the sins of his people, yet expresses unwavering trust in God's mercy and covenant. His prayer is not one of despair but of hope, recognizing God's faithfulness even in adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this with Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant. Peter's question about forgiveness prompts Jesus to illustrate the consequences of withholding mercy. The servant, forgiven a vast debt, fails to extend the same compassion to his fellow servant, leading to severe repercussions. This parable underscores the necessity of forgiveness as a response to God's grace.
These readings connect through their emphasis on mercy and forgiveness. Daniel's trust in God's mercy amidst persecution mirrors the servant's opportunity to show compassion. Both stories remind us that receiving God's forgiveness should transform our hearts, prompting us to extend mercy to others. In our daily lives, we are called to reflect God's compassion, fostering a culture of forgiveness and understanding. Let us embrace humility and trust, allowing God's mercy to flow through us, transforming our relationships and actions.