Tuesday 5 March 2024

Today is Tuesday the 5th of March, in the third week of Lent.

The University of Johannesburg Choir sings 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: 21-35

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.

‘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.’

Start today’s time of prayer by trying to answer Peter’s question for yourself. But make sure that you answer it truthfully. How often do you think you should forgive someone who wrongs you?

Now try and answer a similar, but different, question. Again, be truthful. How often do you in practice forgive those who wrong you? It might help you to think of a specific example here.

“Ten thousand talents.” It’s a huge, huge amount. “A hundred denarii.” About three months’ wages for a labourer at the time. Although the second sum is not negligible, it bears no comparison with the first. As the passage is read again, get a sense of how you would feel if you were in the position of each of these debtors.

Your prayerful reflection on this passage may have taken you in different directions. As the prayer nears its end, speak to God about whatever has spoken to you most strongly here.

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
Amen