16 September 2012 Parable of the unmerciful servant Jesus had clearly explained the necessity of forgiving and the gross injustice of those who refuse to do so. But he wished to emphasize it further by a parable. The kingdom of heaven is likened to “a king who decided to settle the accounts of his servants. One was brought to him who owed ten-thousand pieces of gold. As he could not pay, the king ordered that he be sold, with his wife, children and all he had as payment. The servant, on his knees, pleaded, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will pay you all’. The king, moved with pity, let him go; even forgave his debt.” (cf Mt 18:23-7) This king, who so unexpectedly took account with his servants, represents to us the King of kings who will take account with us at the always uncertain moment of our death. Are we ready for it? In this immense debt of the thousand talents, we see to what sum in God’s eyes, the sins, the faults of every day amount. Are we trying to reduce our debt by the many means in our power or continue to increase it? In the readiness of the king to forgive the enormous debt of his faithless servant, we see how easy it is to move our Judge, and discharge our debts now. How foolish, then for us to keep them for the next, for purgatory! “This servant then left his generous master and found one of his companions who owed him a mere fraction of what he owed. He seized and choked him saying, ‘Pay me what you owe’. His companion dropped to his knees and pleaded, ‘Just give me time and I will pay you’. But he refused. Instead, he had him put in jail until he paid back all his debt.” (cf Mt 18:28-30) Jesus evidently, wishes to show us how unjust and ungrateful we should be if, after the pardon of our many and great offences, we are unwilling to forgive those who have injured us. Are we one of those who always nourish some ill-will against whoever have injured or humbled us; who avoid their presence? Or cool and distant towards them? Do we expect others to put up with everything from us; but make no allowance for their feelings? Informed, “The king called him and said, ‘Wicked servant, I forgave all you owed when you begged me to do so. Should you not have had pity on your companion as I had pity on you?’ In anger the king handed him over to the court until he paid all his debt. So will my Father in heaven do with you unless each of you sincerely forgives his brothers.” (cf Mt 18:31-5) Let these words sink into our hearts. They will soften or silence anger and revenge at the time of trial. Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp584-6 Conversion Goes by Way of the Cross To be converted to God, in an essential way, we must return to that “principle” which is: at the beginning is human sin and death, which results from it. We must regain consciousness of sin, which has become the beginning of every sin on earth, which has become the lasting foundation and source of man’s sinfulness. That original sin actually remains in the whole human race. It is the inheritance of the first Adam in us. And even though cancelled by Baptism through the operation of Christ, “the final Adam” (1 Cor 15:45), it leaves its effects in each of us. Being converted to God, as the Church desires means getting to the roots of the tree, which, as the Lord says, “is not fruitful” (Mt 3:10). There is no other way of healing man. So, to ‘be converted’ in the way the Church expects of us, we must return to that ‘principle’, that ‘beginning’, which is “you are dust, and you shall return to dust”, so as to find ourselves again in the ‘new Beginning’ of Christ’s Resurrection and Grace. So the way passes through Good Friday. It passes beneath the Cross. There is no other way of full ‘conversion’. Upon this unique road, we are awaited by Him whom the Father, through Love, “made him ... to be sin”, although he had not known sin, “so that in him we might become the very holiness of God” (2 Cor 5:21). Let us take this road of conversion and reconciliation with God, by collaborating in a particular fashion with Christ, through prayer, almsgiving and fasting. “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.” (Ps 51:12) Ref: Cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, p138 Concern for our neighbor’s spiritual welfare If the greatest misfortune, the worst tragedy that can befall anyone is to be separated from God, then the greatest work of mercy we can do is to bring relatives and friends to the life-giving fountains of the Sacraments, especially to Confession. True compassion begins with concern for the state of their soul, which with the help of grace we have to try to remedy. All kinds of moral suffering invite our compassion. And so from the earliest times the Church has always held in high esteem the work of ‘instructing the ignorant’. God asks us to be compassionate in all situations in life. If called upon to judge our neighbor, we must do so from the most favorable angle. “Even though you see something very bad about your neighbor, don’t jump to conclusions, but rather make excuses for him interiorly. Excuse his intention, if you cannot excuse his action. Think that he may have acted out of ignorance, or by surprise, or accidentally. If the thing cannot be denied, believe it to be so, and say inwardly: the temptation must have been very strong.” (cf St Bernard, “Sermon on the Canticle of Canticles”, 40) We must frequently remember that if we are merciful, we will obtain from God that mercy we need so much for ourselves, particularly for those weaknesses, errors and failings He understands so well. That confidence in God’s infinite compassion will make us remain always very close to him. Our Lady, ‘Queen and Mother of Mercy’, will give us a humane heart in treating all who suffer at our side. Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 4:521; 524 • Our Lady of Good Tidings, at Orleans, built by King Robert in the year 996 on the very spot where he learnt the good news that his father, Hugo, had escaped death. — Locrius, Maria Augustae, lib. iv., c. 62. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com) • Our Lady of Good News. Orleans, France; Sicily, Italy. [See November 19, December12]. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Good News (Orleans, France). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html) • Our Lady of Good News, Sicily. (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html) • Our Lady of the Rocks. Pasto, Colombia. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • Our Lady of Help (Socorro). Colombia, South America. (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html) • “Birhen sa Kasilak” (“The 2002 Catholic Directory of the Philippines”, p247)