GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 21ST MARCH 2017
TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT
FIRST READING: Daniel 3:25, 34-43
PSALM: Psalm 25:4-9
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:21-35
THEME: FORGIVE ALWAYS
To forgive foibles and other minor wrongdoings in our dealings with people may not be a big deal but when someone consciously, purposefully, wilfully and continuously chooses to hurt you, forgiveness becomes a daunting exercise.
In our Gospel text for the day, Peter probably felt he was being generous when he proposed “seven times” as the measure for pardoning an offender (Mt. 18:21). Little did he know that he was in for a surprise. In response, Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Mat 18:22). Jesus then proceeded to illustrate the necessity of forgiveness with the aid of the parable of the unmerciful servant (Mt. 18:23-34). He then concluded with an important statement, “And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart” (Mat 18:35).
Unforgiveness does not heal; it only deepens and makes the wounds of the heart fester. The surest remedy for emotional hurts is forgiveness. Though not easy, forgiveness is always possible. A helpful step in the process of forgiving someone is to prayerfully call to mind the many times we ourselves sought and received pardon from God. To forgive someone, therefore, is to share with that person the mercy of God.
During this season of Lent, it may be helpful to scan through our minds and hearts and identify people who have hurt us. We need to present them to the Lord in prayer and at the same time pray for strength to let go of the resentment and perhaps bitterness inside us.
How do I know that I have forgiven a person? When I no longer harbour vengeful thoughts and desires toward the person and I sincerely desire that God may bless him (her) and that all may go well with him (her).
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, many times I sin against you and yet out of your abundant mercy you forgive me. Now is my turn to forgive. Grant me the grace to forgive everyone who has hurt me in one way or the other. Amen.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).