Lenten Reflection for 3/5

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

Daily Prayer

Divine Master, You wonderfully created the dignity of human nature, yet we falter with the sin of pride. You have forgiven us seven times seventy and tell us to do the same for our neighbor. Root out our deep pride and allow us to forgive others as You forgive us. Grant that we may rise above our humanity and become more like You. Amen


Scripture Readings

Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Matthew 18:21-35
(Click for today’s Readings.)

Scripture Quote

Matthew 18:21

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
“Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive him?
As many as seven times?”


Reflection

We have a clue that Peter thought he knew how Jesus would answer his question. The number seven in Scripture means completeness or perfection. Therefore, when Peter asks Jesus how much forgiveness is enough, Peter might have expected Jesus to respond that “as many as seven times” is enough, that it is complete.


But Peter—and we—think as humans do. Jesus responds as only the divine Son of God could. Jesus responds with God’s love and mercy. He says we are to forgive “seventy times seven” Are we sure we know what God expects of us? Our challenge is to be more like God by following the example of Christ.

Reflection Questions

Do I truly feel God’s forgiveness is final and complete?

Do I forgive as God forgives?


Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.