Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Jesus teaches about forgiveness through a powerful parable. A servant has forgiven an enormous debt by the king. Yet that same servant refuses to forgive someone who owes him only a small fraction of what he himself was forgiven. When the king learns of this, he becomes angry and reverses his mercy, demanding repayment in full.
The lesson is clear and challenging. Once we truly grasp how much God has forgiven us, we are called to extend that same measure of mercy to others. Forgiveness is not optional for a disciple of Christ.
Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer and say, “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” we are making a serious commitment. These words cannot be empty or automatic. They are meant to shape our hearts, transforming us into people who are ready—and willing—to forgive as we have been forgiven.