https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081326.cfm
How Grateful Am I?
When I read this gospel about the ungrateful servant, I was overwhelmed by the many blessings I have received throughout my life. I couldn’t begin to count them. God blesses all of us with His gift of creation, which He sustains every minute of every day. But a few memories that touched my heart most came to mind.
You may remember this story. Watching my dad, a carpenter, get ready for church in his suit and tie told me that something special was about to happen. Seeing my mom and dad genuflect and kneel before Mass began showed me they loved God and were grateful for their time with Him. I can picture my dad walking into the confessional and my mom praying her Rosary before Mass began.
Tremendous gratitude filled my heart as I reflected on how much my Mom and Dad influenced my life and faith. God used their relationship with Him to plant the seed of my vocation.
The man in the gospel owed his master 449 years of labor. It was something he could never fully repay. His lack of gratitude led him to throttle and imprison a fellow servant over a minuscule debt he was owed. Because he lacked a relationship with his master, he did not understand the value of his master’s mercy.
God gave us His Son, whose sacrifice on the cross paid far more than the debt for all our sins. Every Confession and Mass we celebrate is an opportunity to thank Jesus for making up for our lack of mercy toward one another.
Gospel Challenge:
Here is a refined version of the original text:
“Take a moment each day to reflect and give thanks to God for His blessings, especially His Sacraments. Through these sacred encounters, His mercy fills our hearts and helps us forgive those who have hurt us.”
Peace everyone.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
