Never forget all his benefits

 

Being forgiven, we are to be forgiving.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A,  September 17th, 2023
Texts: Sirach 27:30-28:7; Psalm 103:1-4,9-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35

We hear, today, the words of the psalm: “never forget all his benefits.” We are not to forget the Lord’s doing. The Psalmist calls us not to forget His love and forgiveness. In whatever we do we should not forget that we are products of grace. Being products of grace, we are to be gracious  to others. Jesus Christ also communicates the same thing in today’s gospel reading. He condemned the servant who failed to forgive his fellow servant. It is an act of forgetfulness of God’s love and forgiveness to him. Being forgiven, we are to be forgiving.

Jesus upbraided the unforgiving servant thus: “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” Our sins overtake us when we fail to forgive others. Jesus puts it thus: “And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." This means that the forgetfulness of God’s deeds is not good for us. 

Anger and wrath are products of unforgiving heart

We see in today’s first reading that anger and wrath are products of unforgiving heart. Anger and wrath exist where there is no forgiveness. The reading condemns anger, wrath and vengeance. It says, “Anger and wrath, these also are abominations, and the sinful man will possess them. He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord, and he will firmly establish his sins.” It adds, “Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.” The forgiveness of our neighbours begets forgiveness from God. 

Anger and wrath deny us of healing and forgiveness. This is clear in the words: “Does a man harbour anger against another, and yet seek for healing from the Lord? Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself, and yet pray for his own sins? If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath, who will make expiation for his sins?” Anger and wrath are destructive; they are unhealthy for one who harbours them. They deprive them of God’s grace. 

We also see in the first reading the considerations for not welcoming anger and wrath. They are shortness of life and death. It says, “Remember the end of your life, and cease from enmity, remember destruction and death, and be true to the commandments.” 

Prayer 

Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Amen   

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke