Feast of Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus
Readings: Ez. 12:1-12 | Ps. 78:56-59, 61-62 | Mt. 18:21-19:1
The theme of the Gospel is forgiveness. Jesus tells the story of the servant who was forgiven a great debt by his master. When this servant is approached by another servant he refuses to forgive him his debt. Jesus tells us that we must indeed respond to others in the same manner in which God deals with us. We are always forgiven for our wrong doings and debts. God expects that this ultimatum of love must be responded to by forgiving of others. God readily forgives us. We are called to readily forgive others.
We are called to look in a special way at the hurts of our lives. Check back to see if there are people you have not forgiven for some hurt done to you. Consider this Gospel and respond as Christ calls us to respond. Forgive this person and allow the healing touch of Christ to reach you. Find a way to express this forgiveness. Ask for the grace to be able to readily forgive in the future.