The two readings today present a moment of seeking immense mercy from the master/God and moments we need to reciprocate the same to other fellow humans.
The first reading, in the book of Daniel, is the prayer of Azariah. Azariah who was among the three friends of Daniel, thrown into the fire furnace after refusing to worship the idol god ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar. The name Azariah in Hebrew means God has helped. His name was changed to Abednego after being taken to slavery in Babylon. One significant thing in the prayer of Azariah is that he pleads for God’s mercy on behalf of the whole Israelite Nation.
The Mercy of God
We need to understand that Israelites were taken to exile because of continuous idolatry, and disobedience of God’s commands. It is amazing that these three young men are faithful to God. However, Abednego, carries the weight of failure of entire nation seeking God’s mercy. He begins this prayer by praising God and he acknowledges the fidelity of forefathers, he says, ‘Blessed are you, O lord God of our fathers and thy name be praised and glorified forever, and he adds ‘for your name's sake deliver us.’ Azariah affirms their salvation relays solely on God’s power not on their perfection or good deed only but the power and mercy of God.
Azariah shows the enormous effect of sin to the community and so he pleads with God for entire nation that has failed in their fidelity. This was a prayer of healing that transcended beyond their current generation, but all failed generations. It was a prayer that surrenders everything to God acknowledging the failure and seeking forgiveness. He narrated how sin has affected the entire nation, they have been reduced to low nation, no prince, no prophet, no burnt offering...they have nothing to connect themselves with God. However, he makes a pleading statement to God...’with a contrite and humble heart accept our offering’...is a prayer of pleading with promise of renewal. The purpose of Lent is to renew our promises. Not only for ourselves but even loved ones. Our sins affect others too. We seek mercy before God.
Called to Forgive
But God’s forgiveness does not become accomplished without us forgiving one another. In the Gospel, Peter asks Jesus, how many times one should forgive, and the Lord says seventy-seven times. This was an infinite figure...forgiveness cannot be limited to times. Jesus presents the parable about Kingdom of heaven be likened to that merciful master and unforgiving servant...imagine we before God and see the weight of my sins/your sins and God say I have forgiven you. Now imagine that one person in my/your life you have vowed not to forgive. Jesus makes forgiveness as command...so will my heavenly Father do to us, unless each of us forgive one another from our heart,’ and in it said in Matthew 6:14-15 ‘If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’ Forgiveness is a Christian obligation not an option.
Look at the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught us, ‘Our Father...’ it cannot be full prayer unless we forgive others, for we say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have hurt us. We might be wounded, betrayed, and stepped by others...but how much has God forgiven us. And even when it hurts more see Jesus on Cross saying to the executioners, ‘God forgive them...’ Forgiveness is kindness towards others as we read in Ephesians 4:32 "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving as God in Christ forgave you." Not forgiving blocks God’s blessings in our lives. It a choice we make to suffer but forgiveness gives freedom, healing, and spiritual reconnection with God.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Joachim's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
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