The Feast of St Clare | Thursday 11 August 2022

Today is Thursday 11th August, the feast of Saint Clare.

The University of Johannesburg choir sing the Kyrie: 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.

Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 18:21-19:1

Then Peter came and said to Jesus, ‘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 should 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 should 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.’

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.

Peter asks Jesus how essential forgiveness is in the Christian community. Jesus’ answering parable is sobering to the point of shocking. Forgiveness and mercy are not just choices we make when we’re feeling kind. They are an absolute requirement of discipleship. Replay the two scenes in your mind: slave and master, slave and fellow slave. Where do you see yourself in the story?

Listening seems to be the key to this story. The master listens to the slave and feels sympathy. The slave sees his fellow slave only as a solution to a problem. Have you ever asked forgiveness and been refused? Or found yourself unable to forgive? What do you think brought this about? What do you want to say to Jesus about this?

Can you enter more deeply into both stories as we listen to the reading a second time? What feelings, desires or anxieties come to you as you listen and ponder?

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us to ask for the gift of forgiveness as urgently as we ask for daily food. Is this a gift you feel yourself needing or desiring? Who comes to mind for you right now? Speak to Jesus about this person or situation and listen to what he says 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.