Tuesday 9 March

Today is Tuesday the 9 March, in the third week of Lent.  

The St Thomas Music Group sing the Kyrie by Margaret Rizza: Kyrie eleison; Christe eleison:  Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy. These imploring words, which have been sung for centuries, are a reminder of the inexhaustible mercy of God, of God’s unfailing compassion and forgiveness.  As I listen, I might think for a moment about my need for that forgiveness, and the need, too, for me to show that same forgiveness to others.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.  

Matthew 18:21-22

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.  

Today’s short reading may present a huge challenge. To forgive someone who has wronged you seven times may seem generous, but seventy seven perhaps seems impossible.  Is there someone you know, who has wronged you, who you find it difficult to forgive?  

Spend some time talking with God, as one friends speaks to another, about this person and the events that have happened between you.    

Listen to the reading again…  

Experience tells us that true forgiveness, even the desire to forgive, may take time. What gift do you need from the Lord today to enable you begin? Ask for this now, in these final moments…

You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.