In the Gospel this weekend, Jesus reminds us that we are called to forgive over and over again. In emphasizing the true nature of forgiveness, Jesus introduces the parable the unmerciful servant. In the first instance of the parable, we encounter the king who showed mercy to his servant. He forgave the loan that the servant owed because he pleaded with him. The second instance shows that same servant demanding to be paid what is owed to him. He does not show compassion or forgiveness to the one who owed him only a fraction of what he, himself, owed to the king. We saw how he was treated. This parable always brings me to the words we pray in the Our Father:
“forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
It is in these words that we live out this parable. We approach our King and seek forgiveness. He always affords us mercy and forgiveness. Should we not in turn do likewise? If we truly pray these words, then we realize that we are inviting God to withhold forgiving us if we do not forgive others. That is not in God’s nature to do so, but nonetheless we give Him that permission. The bottom line ~ you have been forgiven so in charity forgive others.
Faithfully Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne