It is 01st March 2016. The readings are from Daniel 3:25, 34-43; and the Gospel from Matthew 18:21-35. The first reading presents the prayer for mercy of Azariah. He reminded God all the reasons for which God should be merciful. His prayer of mercy is not about himself but about those who lived in captivity. No matter, who throws us into the furnace, yet God who is merciful brings us out unharmed. During this year of mercy, we too need to remind God all the possible reasons for which God should be merciful to us. God showed tremendous mercy to Azariah and to the people of Israel. “Do not disappoint us: treat us gently, as you yourself are gentle and very merciful.” (Dan.3:42). The responsorial Psalm praises, “Remember your mercy, Lord.” (Ps.24:6). The Gospel reminds us the need for forgiveness is the requisition to enjoy God’s mercy. We owe the Lord so much, yet God cleared all our liabilities and debts. Those who around us owe us very little or nothing, yet we forget conveniently the way we have been forgiven by God. Quality of forgiving is needed in every attempt to reconcile with the other. Whenever we have failed to forgive someone even though they are sick in mind to brutally damage us or to spoil our reputation or to destroy our trust, we live in a prison. Our attitude must be matching the display of God’s forgiveness in our own lives. The Lent during the year of Mercy provides an ample reason to settle down the account with our brothers and sisters. We cannot plead for God’s mercy when we have not dispensed the means of mercy in our lives. It is not fair to withhold forgiveness from others when we ourselves have enjoyed so much. Let us be the channels of mercy where God’s love can connect the islands of pain, guilt, shame and pride. Let us give a second and third and many more chances to others to experience love. May God grant us the courage to forgive in order to explore and enjoy the mercy of God.