“The Unforgiving Servant”
EZEKIEL 12:1-12; PSALM 78; MATTHEW 18:21-19:1
The Gospel reading presents us with the parable of “The Unforgiving Servant” to teach us something about forgiveness. Forgiveness means allowing love to triumph over anger and vengeance. Christ wants us to forgive not once but indefinitely. As Christians forgiveness is our business. If cannot forgive we negate the message of the paschal mystery. There is no limit to God’s mercy or as to the number of times we can go to confession. Therefore, we are to forgive our neighbuors as their debts are smaller compared to what we owe the King. If you find it difficult to forgive ask God for grace and pray ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ often. Forgiveness is one of the features of spiritual men. If we cannot forgive then we don’t know God.
God wants us to forgive and live a worthy Christian life. For this reason he expressed his dissatisfaction with the sins of the Israelites in the first reading (EZEKIEL 12:1-12). He sent Ezekiel into exile as a sign to the prince in Jerusalem and all the Israelites that if they do not repent of their sins they shall be sent into exile. Beloved, we too must forgive in order for us to be forgiven. If we do not repent of our sins we shall be exiled on the last day. St Clare whose memorial we celebrate today let us be open to grace.
St. Clare, pray us.
LET US PRAY
Father, thank you for your gift of forgiveness. Through your Son you have shown us mercy. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help us to demonstrate your forgiveness towards those who hurt us. Amen.
