March 5, 2024, Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent-B
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Psalm 25
Matthew 18:21-35
“…how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Matt. 18:21
Lord, most of the time I can’t forgive seven times, so seventy-seven is out of the question. Once is sometimes beyond me. This forgiveness stuff is really important to you, isn’t it? I can imagine Peter got the shock of his life when you told him to forgive seventy-seven times. Help me to take a small step in forgiveness today. Hear my prayers for the person who has hurt me. With your grace I can start with one time and then take it from there. With practice and your help, I may surprise myself when forgiving becomes easier and more natural. Lord, this Lent is a good time for me to give up holding on to annoyances, hurt, and resentments. Fasting from anger is a good way to open the door to forgiveness. Jesus, I know I can’t match your mercy so please change my heart to be more like yours. Dare I pray “…Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” whether they deserve it or not. Thank you, Lord, for forgiving my enormous debt. Amen.