Tuesday of 3rd Week of Lent: reflection
Theme: EXTENDING GOD’S MERCY TO OTHERS
Reading: Mt 18:21–35
How shocked will you be if you take a final sleep from time and wake up in eternity only to see the angels standing before God’s judgement seat and reading out all the sins you have confessed and atoned for while on earth as the things you will be judged on? You will undoubtedly be shocked, furious and disappointed with the church, accusing her of having deceived you with false teachings about God’s merciful heart and His forgiveness of our sins. But the truth will definitely be that all the time you lived, you never extended the mercy you received from God to the people who offended you even far less than you offended God. This is the teaching of the parable of the unforgiving servant we read in today’s gospel.
Are you among those who keep a list of wrongs committed against them by others? Do you have a list of people who have hurt you and who will be served hot breakfasts anytime soon? Do you see forgiveness as a sign of weakness? Are you among those who believe that any religion that asks you to forgive your enemies is your enemy? If yes, then, the season of Lent is not only asking you to rethink and to make forgiveness a priority, it is also reminding you through today’s gospel reading that God is keeping a list of your own wrongdoings, including those ones you have confessed and atoned for before Him; in other words, it is telling you that God will serve you a very hot breakfast when you close your eyes to time.
Jesus did not mince words when he stressed on this reality in the only prayer He taught His disciples. He said: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us … if you do not forgive those who hurt you, your heavenly father will not forgive you too.” (Mt 6:12, 14) Then, He ended today’s gospel passage with the same warning, saying: “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Mt. 18:35)
May we open our hearts today and forgive our offenders, so that God will forgive us too.
May God guide and protect you as you step out for the business of this Tuesday. Amen
Fr. Isaac Chima