Mercy Received, Mercy Given

We know that we are imperfect, yet we can still be surprisingly demanding of others. We ask God for mercy for our own failures while struggling to give that same mercy to someone who has hurt us. This Sunday’s readings remind us that receiving God’s mercy should change the way we look at ourselves and the way we treat others.

Hibla: The Message of the Readings

Sirach reminds us to forgive because we, too, need forgiveness. Psalm 103 tells us that God is merciful and does not deal with us according to our sins. And in the Gospel, Jesus tells of a servant who was forgiven a great debt but refused to forgive a much smaller one.

He received mercy, but he failed to extend it.

Last Sunday, Jesus taught us how to deal with conflict: speak honestly, privately, and with the goal of winning our brother back. This Sunday, He asks us to be merciful to others as He is to us.

Hugot: Points to Ponder

Sometimes we forget how much mercy we ourselves have received.

We have been forgiven for things we regret. We have been given chances we did not deserve. God has been patient with us even when we have fallen short.

Perhaps this is why Jesus asks us to forgive: not because others have earned it, but because we know what it is like to need mercy.

Hamon: The Challenge

This week, remember one thing God has forgiven you for. Then let that memory change how you respond to someone who has hurt, disappointed, or frustrated you.

Before we ask, “Does this person deserve my mercy?” ask, “How has God been merciful to me?”