DAILY- HOMILY

August 17, 2017 – THURSDAY, 19th Week in Ordinary Time

Green

Jos 3: 7- l0a, 11, 13 - 17 / Mt 18: 21- 19:1

From the GOSPEL READING:        Mt 18: 21 - 35

     Then Peter asked him, "Lord, how many times must I forgive the offenses of my brother or sister? Seven times?" Jesus answered, "No, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

     "This story throws light on the kingdom of heaven. A king decided to settle the accounts of his servants. Among the first was one who owed him ten thousand gold ingots. As the man could not repay the debt, the king commanded him to be sold as a slave with his wife, children and all his goods in payment.

     "The official threw himself at the feet of the king and said, 'Give me time, and I will pay you back everything.' The king took pity on him and not only set him free but even canceled his debt.

     "This official then left the king's presence and he met one of his companions who owed him a hundred pieces of silver. He grabbed him by the neck and almost strangled him, shouting, 'Pay me what you owe!" His companion threw himself at his feet and asked him, 'Give me time and I will pay everything.' The other did not agree. But sent him to prison until he had paid all his debt.

     "His companions saw what happened. They were indignant and so they went and reported everyhing to their lord. Then the lord summoned his official and said, 'Wicked servant, I forgave you all that you owed when you begged me to do so. Weren't you bound to have pity on your companion as I had pity on you?' The lord was now angry, so he handed his servant over to be punished, until he had paid his whole debt."

     Jesus added, "So will my heavenly Father do with you unless each of you sincerely forgive your brother or sister."

REFLECTION

     In many years working at Xavier School, I met many parents expecting nothing less than the highest standards from the school. They wanted Xavier to be the exemplar in forming the youth to be academically competent men of character.

     Until their son did not meet the set standards. Now they wanted the school to bend rules, pleading for leniency and understanding.

     This seems to be like the unmerciful servant in the Gospel reading. Being human, we find ways of exempting ourselves from set rules and standards. We want the Lord to understand and forgive but we do not do the same for our fellows. We want the school to be true to what it claims to be - but not in this case because it would hurt my son.

     This kind of behavior does not please our Lord, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart." Lord, it is not easy but please teach us to be fair to all.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

THANKSGIVING 

     ALICE CUA & FAMILY

BIRTHDAY

     BILLIE CHING SYLING

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the eternal repose of the soul of Bernardo Santiago Sr.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

**************************************************

These reflections are distributed free and are for personal use only. Feel free to send the Daily Prayer reflections to your friends, colleagues and relatives; however, if you do, please include the following: 

  +================================================+

   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

  +================================================+