Extract
When a slave was unable to repay his debt, the King ordered that to compensate, he be, “sold, along with his wife, children, and whatever he possessed”.
However, when the condemned slave threw himself on the ground and begged, “Be patient with me, and I will repay you everything”. The King, “Had compassion on [him]… and forgave him the [entire] debt”.
The freed slave then left and found a fellow slave who owed him money. He caught him by the throat and, despite his begging, threw him in prison until he had repaid everything.
When the King heard what he had done he said, “Evil slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me! Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you? And in anger, he turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed”. (Matthew 18:25-27 and 32-34)
Thought
We must forgive our brothers and sisters from our heart if we are to receive forgiveness for our own sins from God.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, help me to sow love.
Prayer: The Sick
Lord Jesus Christ,
you bore our sufferings and carried our sorrows.
In order to show us clearly,
the value of human weakness and patience,
graciously hear our prayers for the sick.
Grant that those who are weighed down,
with pain and other afflictions of illness,
may realise that they are among the chosen ones,
whom you call blessed.
Help them to understand,
that they are united with you in your sufferings,
for the salvation of the world. Amen.
