Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

Today's Mass Readings

Do you pay attention to the Our Father? You have probably prayed it many, many times. Sometimes, we forget to pay attention and understand what we say because we become so used to reciting it. One line of the Our Father stands out as particularly important, yet we skim right over it, “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” When was the last time you thought about that line?

Jesus offers us a parable today that highlights the truth of this prayer. A man seeks forgiveness for a great debt; he is granted forgiveness but turns to his fellow servant and is unwilling to forgive him. What happens? The man is now punished and called wicked. It is a hard lesson. It is a simple lesson.

We must forgive if we ever expect to be forgiven. Can we expect to be forgiven if we cannot or are unwilling? It is what we pray day in and day out. Consider ways you have not forgiven someone, and earnestly work toward peace so that you, too, may receive forgiveness for your sins.

Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB