Thursday 16 August
Matthew 18:21–19:1
Poor Peter – just when he thinks to impress with his magnanimity he finds himself wide of the mark. But Jesus does not reprove him; rather he gently corrects him with a parable that contrasts the thinking of God with that of humanity and draws attention to our shallow understanding of our own debt. Jesus is doing for Peter what the Father wants to do for us: that is, to expand our horizons.
The amount the servant is said to have owed is so enormous as to be almost comical – ten thousand talents is a debt so huge as to be unpayable by even the richest person. This gigantic sum represents humanity’s debt to God. Its cancellation and the release of the servant portray the loving mercy of our heavenly Father. He is willing to forgive even the greatest debt.
Sadly, over-familiarity with this and similar parables of Jesus, together with our love for the opposing blandishments of the world, can dull our awareness of how profound his love and mercy are. Every good thing we have, including life itself, comes to us freely from God. In order to bring us to the fullness of life in him, for which we are created, he asks us to obey him and follow his ways.
But, in the manner of the parable’s greedy servant, humanity abuses the gifts and freedom so lovingly given and persists in its drive for self-centred, unforgiving independence. Yet despite the gravity of these continuing sins our heavenly Father has made provision for forgiveness and reconciliation in the ultimate act of love – the sacrifice of his beloved and only-begotten Son on the cross.
God’s merciful forgiveness is infinite, but he has expectations of us too. When teaching his disciples to pray earlier in his ministry, Jesus warned them: ‘For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses’ (Matt. 6:14-15). We need to take this warning to heart. The forgiving heart is one that, after the words of forgiveness, neither longs for revenge nor harbours resentment; rather it takes the hurt to the cross of Jesus, receives healing and prays for the one forgiven.
Lord Jesus, soften my hardened heart that I may truly forgive those who hurt or offend me.
Ezekiel 12:1-12 • Psalm 77(78):56-62
Matthew 18:21–19:1
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Pope Francis Special Bumper Edition of Faith Today
Click here to read Joanna Moorhead's blog from the Conclave and the Inauguration
Free Faith Pack
FREE Faith Pack
worth over £30/€50!!
with every new subscription to
Bible Alive or Faith Today.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Give it a go today!
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham with the latest Birmingham Catholic news and videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
