Tuesday, 26th March

Matthew 18:21–35

Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another
member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as
seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you,
seventy-seven times. "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be
compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began
the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and,
as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife
and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell
on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you
everything.' And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and
forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his
fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he
said, 'Pay what you owe.' Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him,
'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' But he refused; then he went and
threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw
what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to
their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to
him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with
me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?'
And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his
entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do
not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

Reflection

Should I take some time to try and see how the call to
forgiveness affects me?

Can I let go of my treasured grievances and resentments?