Daily Readings - Tue Mar 17 2020
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 lessons on mercy and forgiveness. The first reading from Daniel presents Azariah's prayer amidst the fiery furnace, a plea for mercy rooted in the recognition of sin and the hope of divine compassion. This prayer is not just a request for deliverance but a humble acknowledgment of God's covenant and the people's unworthiness. It highlights the importance of trust in God's mercy, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the act of forgiveness. Peter's question about the extent of forgiveness is met with Jesus' teaching on the boundless nature of mercy. The parable of the unforgiving servant underscores the expectation that those who receive forgiveness must, in turn, extend it to others. This teaching emphasizes that forgiveness is not optional but a necessary response to God's grace.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of mercy. Daniel's prayer seeks God's mercy, while Matthew's parable calls us to extend that mercy to others. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God is deeply tied to our relationships with others. As we seek God's forgiveness, we are compelled to forgive others, creating a cycle of mercy that reflects God's love.
In our daily lives, this means letting go of grudges and embracing understanding. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential. By choosing to forgive, we mirror God's mercy and foster healing in our communities. The moral lesson is clear: forgiveness is not optional. It is a cornerstone of our faith, enabling us to grow in love and compassion, just as God loves us.
May we, like Azariah, approach God with humble hearts, and may we, like the servant, learn to forgive as we have been forgiven. Let us strive to be vessels of God's mercy, transforming our world through the power of forgiveness.