Homily: Eighteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Eighteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 18:21ff) “Forgive Us Our Debts as We forgive Our Debtors”

Exaggeration is often part of Jesus parables. He does this to emphasize a point. When we listen to the story of the King and his servants, we find it hard to understand how the servant that is forgiven a debt can be so unforgiving of his fellow servant who also needs a debt forgiven. The servant in question would seem to be a real lout.

The way Jesus tells the story, the egregious behavior is even worse. He includes the amounts that are owed. The servant owes the king 10,000 talents. The second man who owes a debt to his fellow servant owes 100 denarii.

Since we do not know what these monetary amounts are worth it is hard for us to appreciate what is being said here. We could describe it this way. The first man owes the king the equivalent of the national debt. 10,000 talents equaled more money than a country would gather in a year in the times Jesus lived in. The second man owed his fellow servant a day’s wages.

When we put things in those terms the first servant’s lack of compassion is even harder for us to comprehend. How could a debtor not pass on debt forgiveness when they had experienced such benevolence?

We can place ourselves in the parable. Are we the servant that has had a multitude of sins forgiven? Are we the King who forgives freely even if we are greatly wronged? Are we the servant that struggles to receive forgiveness from someone else. And lastly do we find that we are like the servant that finds it very difficult to forgive even the smallest slight from others.

In talking with people who struggle to forgive others and who struggle to achieve reconciliation with another person, this is a common problem in human relationships. When we struggle with this area, we must always remember what our God is like. God is quick to forgive, and Christians are expected to be rich in mercy.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Who do I know that has a very forgiving nature? Why are they that way?

2.    Are people who offer forgiveness also taken advantage of by others? Who do I need to forgive today?

Dear Parishioners,

          Remember that this weekend is Stewardship Weekend. We are recruiting people to serve as liturgical ministers. Do you have a musical talent. If so, we would like you in our music program. Leave your name with those at the table we have set up and they will connect you with Cheryl Bolt, our music director.

          You do not have to be a trained musician. All you need to do is have a willingness to try and help and have a love of music. If you have an ability, Cheryl will determine if we can use your talents.

          May Our Lady pray for our troubled world.

          Fr. Mark