The Compassionate King and the Unforgiving servant
The compassionate, magnanimous king forgave His servant’s enormous debt because he appealed in repentance to His magnanimity and compassion.
But the same vengeful, unforgiving servant did not show the same compassion to his fellow servant who owed him a minute amount of money, in comparison to his forgiven debt.
His unforgiving, cruel behavior caught the attention of his fellow servants who reported it to the King. He became furious against the ungrateful servant, whom he had just forgiven.
Angry for his inhumane behavior, the King ordered to throw the ungrateful servant into prison, until he pays everything he owes Him.
This is a powerful Parable and it is addressed to all of us. We are called to forgive and be reconciled to our fellowman. God has already forgiven our past sins and He still compassionately forgives our sins when we come to Him in repentance.
In the Lord’s prayer we say, “...forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors…”
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus also taught us, “if you forgive, …your Heavenly Father . will also forgive you…”
Jesus on the cross exclaimed, “Father, forgive them…”
St. Stephen, the first martyr for Christ, added before he expired, “Father, don’t add this sin to them…”
St. John Chrysostom teaches us that, “if we remember our sins, then it is easier to forgive the others…”
As Christians, We hate sin but we love the sinner. We follow the example of Jesus and His Saints. We are transmitters of forgiveness. We should not stop God’s forgiveness passing through us. We are instruments of God.
We are called to love, forgive and help all. When St. Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive our fellowman, Christ said 70X7, countless times. Let us do likewise.
With love, Fr. John P. A.
