Daily Gospel Reflection for August 12, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Today’s gospel reading’s message never gets old.

A servant owes his master money and the master allows him more time to pay. But the same servant refuses to do the same to someone who owes him! When the master hears about it, he becomes angry, executing punishment.

This servant personifies human nature at its worst. We want people to forgive us when we make mistakes but oftentimes when we are wronged we refuse to let it go, never mind forgiving them. We hold onto the hurt like a badge, using it as a weapon to inflict pain.

Even worse, in today’s climate many take to social media typing vitriol, personally attacking those they perceive to have offended them. This only compounds the original hurt and sets in motion an endless cycle of never-ending anguish

As Catholics we are called to always show mercy towards those we feel have done us wrong. But it is not easy. Many times we refuse to even listen to the reasons for a particular action.

But there is no other recourse. We are called to show, by our actions, that in the eyes of God forgiveness is everything. “As the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do” (Colossians 3:13).

Knowing human nature, Jesus thankfully gave us the powerful Our Father. He taught us to pray “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." When we do, we are asking God for the graces to be more Christ-like in forgiving others. And the benefits to our soul are huge. For it is written: “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you" (Matthew 6:14).

Our world needs all the forgiveness God can give, and it needs to start with us.

Ponder:

How often have I refused to forgive, and held a grudge against someone?

Pray:

Lord, I need forgiveness. Help me to forgive others so I can be forgiven by You. Amen.

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Our world needs all the forgiveness God can give, and it needs to start with us. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Carol Sbordon Bannon