Homily - Food for thought

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
10 March 2026

Readings:

• Book of Daniel 3:25, 34–43

• Psalms 25:4–9

• Gospel of Matthew 18:21–35

1. Introduction

My dear friend, today’s message is about forgiveness.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things for human beings. When someone hurts us deeply, our natural reaction is to remember the pain, to hold the grudge, and sometimes even to seek revenge.

But today, Jesus Christ challenges us with a radical teaching: forgive again and again.

Lent is the perfect time to ask ourselves a serious question:
Is there someone I still refuse to forgive?

2. Life Story

A little boy once had a fight with his sister. After a while his mother told him:

“Go and forgive your sister before you go to bed.”

The boy went upstairs, stood at the top of the stairs and shouted:

“I forgive you! But if you do it again tomorrow, you’re finished!”

Sometimes our forgiveness is like that. We say we forgive, but we keep a small reserve of anger just in case.

God invites us to forgive from the heart, not just from the mouth.

3. The Word (Understanding the Scriptures)

First Reading

In the Book of Daniel, the prayer of Azariah rises from the midst of suffering and exile.

The people acknowledge their sins and humbly ask God for mercy. They admit they deserve punishment but still trust in God’s compassion and covenant love.

This shows us something important: God never refuses a humble and repentant heart.

Responsorial Psalm

The Psalms remind us:

“Teach me your ways, O Lord.”

God is described as good, upright, and merciful, always ready to guide sinners back to the right path.

Gospel

In the Gospel of Matthew, Peter the Apostle asks Jesus:

“Lord, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?”

Seven already sounded generous. But Jesus replies:

“Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Then Jesus tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

A servant is forgiven an enormous debt by his master. But the same servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a small amount.

The message is clear:
Those who receive God’s mercy must also show mercy to others.

4. Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Remember how much God has forgiven you

When we recognise God’s mercy in our own lives, it becomes easier to forgive others.

2. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling

You may still feel hurt, but forgiveness begins with the choice to release resentment.

3. Unforgiveness imprisons the heart

Holding onto anger hurts us more than the person who offended us. Forgiveness sets your heart free.

5. Inspirational Quote

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it opens the door to a peaceful future.” ✨

6. Conclusion

My friend, Lent invites us to clean our hearts.

Prayer cleans our relationship with God.
Fasting disciplines our desires.
Charity opens our hearts to others.

But forgiveness heals the deepest wounds of the soul.

Today, ask God for the strength to forgive someone who hurt you.

It may be difficult, but it will bring peace to your heart.

7. Prayer

Let us pray. 🙏

Merciful Father,
You forgive us again and again with endless love.

Help us to forgive those who hurt us.
Remove bitterness and anger from our hearts.
Teach us to show the same mercy to others that You show to us every day.

May our hearts become instruments of peace, reconciliation, and love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen. ✨