It is 13th August 2020. We celebrate the memorial of saints Pontian, pope and Hippolytus, priest, martyrs.
The readings are from Ezekiel 12:1-12; and the Gospel from Matthew 18:21-19:1.
Forgiving is not an option. Numerical calculations cannot fence the boarders of forgiveness. The wings of forgiveness flies high in the free space of mercy and love. Ability to forgive is the proof of God’s merciful presence in our life. Unforgiving people are mostly unhappy people. “Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Lk 7:47)
“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” (2 Cor.4:7)
Mercy is the wet land in which justice germinates with the fertilisation of charity.
If mercy is our catechism, then justice is our liturgy indeed.
In the first reading, God expressed God’s dissatisfaction the way people go about and taking their own time in returning to the Lord. When we know someone or something is evil for sure, we need to move out and leave as swiftly as we can. More we hang around the evil; we succumb to the plans and programmes of evil and get used to it. “Beware of all evil.” (Sir.17:14). “For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9). Whenever we are stuck with evil, we find it hard to have a smooth crossover.
The responsorial Psalm reminds us, “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” (Ps.78:7).
Jesus clarifies Peter about the limitless in forgiving the other. Our yardstick for forgiving others needs to be calculated with the measure of God’s mercy and forgiveness to us. “For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13). When we are aware of our fallenness and sinfulness, we are boundless and generous in forgiving the others. Our selective remembrance of our own brokenness hardens the membrane of forgiving heart. We are gently reminded by the Lord that there is no limit in forgiving as God is generous in mercy and forgiving always. God’s mercy envelops the justice. Mercy of God takes the lead in serving the justice of God. “So, my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Mt.18:35). May we be generous enough to forgive that someone with whom we have an unfinished spiritual debt. Have a lovely day. God bless you.
Dear father Peter,
Your reflections are so inspiring. They have the richness of wisdom from the Most High. We are enlightened and nourished daily. Especially at this pandemic no words to say while you do it in reference to the daily Readings and mediations there upon are like our daily bread.
This helps us to guide others as well very often in our laity services among families which we receive fortunately right in early hours of the day!
Of course we share these daily reflections of yours with our fellow groups in this Gulf region and noted the remarks of appreciations.
Dear father, we thank you and may our good Lord reward you and bless you to continue to do His service in most worthy manner of His Will.
With lot of love, Thomas
Thank you Fr for your inspiring messages. You have no idea how these reflections have helped me through the years. The Holy Spirit guides you to helps us all. Stay blessed always.