Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 18:21-35

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Even now, says the LORD,
return to me with your whole heart;
for I am gracious and merciful. Jl 2:12-13


Daniel 3:25, 34-43, Psalm 25:4-9, Matthew 18:21-35


Daniel 3:25, 34-43

My soul's beloved, You are the Covenant of Love, the Eternal Covenant that our Father in heaven makes with us. Because of You His mercy will always be available to us for through You we have been delivered from the power of the Enemy and set free from slavery to sin. Azariah pleaded for God's mercy for the sake of the Patriarchs of old, but we are confident of His mercy for Your Namesake. While it is true that as many as the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore of the sea are called by Your Name yet we are more more sinful, more corrupt, more evil than at any time in the past. This is why although You brought peace to the world there has never been a time where there has been greater conflict between human beings. We are weak because of our sins, our churches are empty, and those who call themselves Christians believe in a god that is made in their own image and likeness. It is an idol that they worship and this is why we are threatened by the enemy who has vowed to wipe us from the face of the earth.

But this will never happen for Your remnant continue to offer the Father the one, holy, and most pleasing sacrifice of the Holy Mass on our Altars throughout the world. It is offered with humble, contrite, and hungry hearts who come into Your Presence and receive the Bread of Angels. We are nourished and fed by the Son of the Living God and we follow You with unreservedly. We put all our faith, hope, and trust in You and we will not be vanquished for You have won the battle. You have crushed the head of Satan, and You have opened the door to heaven. You have delivered us through the Cross and You have saved and redeemed the world.

Psalm 25:4-9

My soul's beloved, at every Holy Mass we recall the work of salvation that has redeemed the world. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. Thank You for Your Sacrifice that will forever grant us access to God's mercy and compassion. 

God of Love, thank You for sending Your Son into the world and leading us back through Him who came to take by the hand not angels but sinners like me.

My soul's beloved, meek and humble of heart make my heart like Your own. Amen.

Matthew 18:21-35

My soul's beloved, I can understand the anger of the King who forgave a debt that was impossible for the servant to pay. The King, a righteous judge could have demanded that payment be made by the sale of the debtor along with his wife, children and his property. The man was doomed to be a slave along with his household. No wonder he begged for clemency. The heart of the King, who was tender and compassionate was moved to pity and the man was forgiven the entire debt. Wow! He ought to have left the King's presence with an all encompassing joy filled with gratitude and reverence for the One who pardoned his debt and let him go free. When he met his fellow servant who owed him a trifling amount one would imagine that he would deal with him just as generously as he had been dealt with. Unfortunately, it was not so. He was mean, cruel, vicious, wicked, and unjust and when the King was made aware of his treachery it was no wonder that he was enraged and meted out a punishment fitting to his crime.

In this parable Beloved, You reveal a sobering truth. In measure that we are forgiven we ought to forgive all who have wronged us. You tell Peter that we are to forgive not seven times but seventy time seven. We are to forgive always. 

The parable of the wicked servant is directed to me. I have been forgiven a debt I can never repay and bearing this in mind I must always forgive the little transgressions against me. If I desire to live with You eternally then I must forgiven just as I have been forgiven. I must keep no account of wrongs but forgive always only then can I experience the full measure of the Father's mercy.