Thursday 13 August

Today is Thursday 13 August in the 19th week of Ordinary Time.

The Choir of Winchester Cathedral sing the Kyrie from William Byrd’s Mass for 5 Voices. Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison.  Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. These are the words with which the celebration of Mass begins, when, as we gather in the presence of God, we acknowledge to God that we are not perfect, but that we have faults and failings, and trusting in God’s infinite, inexhaustible mercy and compassion, we place ourselves, with all our strengths and weaknesses, in God’s hands.  And I can do the same now, as I begin to pray.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 18: 23-27 (Reading part 1)

‘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.'

Jesus speaks challenging words.  Often, we can come to terms with someone doing us injury by finding reasons to explain their bad behaviour: ‘he’s under stress, she had a bad childhood, they’re going through a difficult time right now’. But this isn’t forgiveness, it’s finding excuses.  Forgiveness is the gift and grace that we need to find when we are faced with the inexcusable.  It’s not within our power to forgive easily, which is why Jesus tells us to ask for this gift along with our daily bread.  It’s as essential as feeding ourselves.

Imagine being the slave in today’s passage, with a vast debt that is impossible for you to pay off when the master demands repayment. Now your master orders you to be sold along with your family and all your possessions.  What would be the equivalent of that debt for to you today?

All you can do you is to fall to your knees and beg for patience.  Now, when the lord hears to your plea, he shows compassion to you and releases you from all your debt?  How do you feel now?  We’re going to hear the second part of the story of the unforgiving slave. Place yourself inside the scene as you listen…  How do you feel as you imagine the scene?  Whose perspective do you see the story from?  The master, the slave, his debtor, his fellow slaves?     

Matthew 18: 28-35 (Reading part 2)

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.”

Jesus is speaking about being completely forgiven of our sins. What impact does this have on your life? Taking your reflection slowly, you may find yourself wanting to talk to one or other character in the story itself.  Or there may be something you wish to share with our heavenly Father or with Jesus with regard to forgiveness.  Take some time to speak from your heart and to listen in return.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.