Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent March 16, 2004 Scripture: Daniel 3:25, 23-43; Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection: “Moved with compassion, the master of that servant let him go and forgave him…” The story of the debtor being forgiven by the King would be a wonderfully encouraging story of compassion, patience and forgiveness if it ended there. We know, however, that the story is not finished. Our reflection is not only on the compassionate King; it is also, and maybe most importantly, on the newly forgiven servant. This is where we come in. We know in our minds, and sometimes even in our hearts, that God has forgiven us and continues to forgive us over and over again with no hesitation. In fact, we are forgiven with love and open arms! Yet it is so difficult for us in our everyday human encounters to forgive one another. The newly forgiven servant had great difficulty absorbing the spirit of forgiveness and transferring it to his next encounter. In fact, he was exceptionally demanding and even violent in this encounter! This scripture reading startles us into examining the quality of forgiveness in our lives. God who so freely forgives us expects us to offer that same forgiveness to one another. This is not an easy task, to be sure. The more we reflect with gratitude on God’s love for us, however, the more we will be compelled to let forgiveness flow from us. Suggested Action: Take time today to thank God for his loving forgiveness of you. Ask him for the insight and the strength needed to transfer this gracious forgiveness to those who have offended you. Sr. Therese Mary Dougherty, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania