HOMILY OF TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN LENT
Daniel 3:25,34-43, Matthew 18:21-35
THEME: THE DANGER OF A RIGID PERSONALITY
QUOTE: We cannot give more than what our hearts can offer. We cannot keep more than what our hearts can receive.
It is important to search within ourselves before we begin to condemn others. When we judge events around us selfishly, we will only see how life has been unfair to us. Hardly would we judge things the way they are, rather we see them the way we are. If our mind is deformed, automatically, we will always see other people like that.
In today’s gospel, the wicked servant refused to forgive his fellow servant even though his master has forgiven him his huge debt. Though he was shown mercy, he refused to learn mercy. The act of kindness shown to him did not change anything in his personality. If the master had refused his pleas, he would have criticized him. The servant’s unforgiving spirit finally led him to prison.
Let’s not destroy ourselves by our own very selves. Our lives would be wonderful if only we could release positive energy into all that we do. No experience, in spite of its ugliness, should turn us into negative people. We are better off when we look at life positively and see every disappointment around us as a steppingstone into blessings. “All things work for good for those who love God.”
In the first reading, while Azariah was thrown into the fire, he did not lose his stand. He could still remember God and made supplication to him. On our own part, we can learn from him that we should not lose faith in God despite the troubles facing us. This simply means that in all situations, we must put the will of God first.
I pray that our hearts will always radiate the love of God. May his love have a place in our hearts that we may be able to share the same love with others. Amen.
