The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Dennis Manzana SVD – Taiwan
Thursday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
“So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives from the heart” These words remind me of the similar phrase in the prayer the “Our Father” which Jesus himself taught us. But most of the time we recite this prayer very mechanically that the words “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” do not sink into our hearts, and we lose their meaning in relating to God and others.
If we look closely at the Gospel, we will notice that the words and actions of the two servants were exactly the same. Falling to his knees, the first servant begged the master, saying: “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.” Moved with compassion the Master forgave him. The second servant begged the same thing from his fellow servant but was refused forgiveness. Where lies the difference? The master had compassion, but the servant who received it did not extend the same compassion to his fellow servant.
We, too often, fall to our knees to beg God’s forgiveness which he readily gives, but like the first servant, we find it difficult to extend the same mercy and compassion shown to us by God. Although forgiveness is easier said than done, we are invited by Jesus to put it to practice wholeheartedly.
The first step is remembering that we, too, have imperfections but have received God’s great mercy. The second step is to remember with gratitude the mercy we received. That when it is us who are wronged, we acknowledge the pain we feel and are able to pray for ourselves and the person who hurt us. Finally, decide to forgive by trusting God, who will give us the grace to show compassion towards our sisters and brothers.
To live out the Word of God today, we can examine our hearts and check if we have been hurting because of what others did to us and ask ourselves if we are ready to forgive or at least take the road to forgiveness.
May the words in ‘The Lord’s Prayer” really flow in our life as we say from the heart, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”
