3/11/2025 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples:
7 “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
10 thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread;
12 and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
13 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
14 “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

3/11/2025 (Tuesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus teaches us how to pray, giving us what we now call The Lord’s Prayer. This prayer is not just a set of words to recite but a guide to deep, meaningful communication with God. One of its most powerful lessons is about forgiveness.

When Jesus says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,” He links our own forgiveness to our willingness to forgive others. He emphasizes this truth again in verses 14-15:

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

This teaching is clear: our forgiveness from God is connected to how we forgive others. But why is forgiveness so important, and how does it impact our lives?

1. Forgiveness Reflects God’s Grace
God is full of grace and mercy. He does not treat us as our sins deserve but offers us complete forgiveness through Jesus Christ. When we forgive others, we reflect God’s character. We show that His love and mercy are at work in us.

Think about how many times you have needed God’s forgiveness. Every day, we fall short, yet God is always willing to cleanse us when we come to Him with a repentant heart. If He, who is perfect, forgives us so freely, how much more should we, who are imperfect, extend that same grace to others?

2. Forgiveness Sets Us Free
Holding on to unforgiveness is like carrying a heavy burden. It drains us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Anger and resentment can turn into bitterness, robbing us of peace and joy. But when we choose to forgive, we release that burden. We experience freedom in our hearts, allowing God’s peace to fill us.

Corrie ten Boom, a survivor of the Holocaust, once faced a difficult moment when she encountered one of the guards from the concentration camp where she and her family had suffered. He had become a Christian and asked for her forgiveness. At first, her heart resisted, but she prayed for God’s help. When she extended her hand to him in forgiveness, she felt an overwhelming sense of love and peace. That is the power of forgiveness—it transforms not only the one who receives it but also the one who gives it.

3. Forgiveness Opens the Door to Answered Prayers
Jesus warns against using empty, repetitive words in prayer. Instead, He encourages us to pray with sincerity, from the heart. But He also makes it clear that unforgiveness can block our prayers.

If we come before God while holding grudges, our hearts are not fully open to Him. Unforgiveness creates a barrier between us and God, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of His presence. But when we let go of resentment, we align our hearts with His will, making room for His blessings and guidance.

4. Forgiveness is a Choice, Not a Feeling
Sometimes, we may not feel like forgiving, especially when we have been deeply hurt. But forgiveness is not based on feelings. It is a decision to obey God and trust Him to heal our hearts. When we choose to forgive, God gives us the strength to follow through.

Jesus set the ultimate example on the cross when He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). If He could forgive those who crucified Him, we can certainly ask for His help to forgive those who have wronged us.

How can we practice forgiveness daily?
1. Pray for those who hurt you. Ask God to bless them and change their hearts.
2. Release the offense. Let go of bitterness and trust God to bring justice.
3. Seek reconciliation when possible. If appropriate, take steps to restore relationships.
4. Remember how much God has forgiven you. This will help you extend the same grace to others.

As we pray the Lord’s Prayer, let the words “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” remind us to walk in forgiveness. When we do, we will experience the fullness of God’s love, peace, and blessings in our lives.

Let’s go, forgive, and let God’s grace work through us.

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.