[ Today's Readings ]
His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?
Receiving mercy means that we must be open to being merciful. We pray ask God to forgive us as we forgive others their trespasses. First we need to realize how big is the debt which the LORD forgives completely. It is a debt we would be completely unable to repay on our own. If we don't realize how great is the generosity which the LORD shows us we will be slower to show mercy in turn. Our own sins seem smaller and those of our fellow servants against us seem greater.
For we are reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation,
brought low everywhere in the world this day
because of our sins.
Recognizing our sins isn't about beating ourselves up. It isn't about feeling sorry for ourselves. It is about realizing our need for God. Only when we realize our need can we turn to him for help.
Do not let us be put to shame,
but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.
Deliver us by your wonders,
and bring glory to your name, O Lord.
First we realize our own need, then we turn to God for mercy, and finally we communicate that mercy to others. We forgive others and make known the generous and unmerited favor God offers to everyone.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way.
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