Daily Readings - Tue Mar 14 2023
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 and forgiveness, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. The first reading from Daniel presents Azariah's heartfelt prayer, offered amidst the trials of exile and persecution. His words are a humble plea for mercy, acknowledging the people's sins and their reliance on God's compassion. This prayer underscores the importance of humility and trust in divine mercy, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew continues this theme, as Jesus teaches Peter about the boundless nature of forgiveness. Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus illustrates the inconsistency of accepting God's mercy while refusing to extend it to others. The servant, forgiven a great debt, fails to show compassion to his fellow servant, leading to his condemnation. This story highlights the moral imperative to forgive as we have been forgiven, emphasizing that mercy is not a one-time act but a continuous practice.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine our own capacity for forgiveness and mercy. How often do we struggle to let go of grudges or withhold compassion from those who wrong us? The readings remind us that receiving God's mercy is not a solitary act; it compels us to become vessels of that mercy. As we navigate our relationships, whether in personal or professional settings, we are challenged to mirror God's forgiveness, fostering understanding and reconciliation. Let us embrace this call to mercy, allowing it to transform our hearts and our interactions, creating a ripple effect of compassion in the world around us.