The Readings and Gospels this month make us reflect on God’s GRACIOUSNESS and man’s FAITHFULNESS.
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, the King is God whose love for us is so immense, that no matter how big our transgression is, He forgives us. In the Parable of the Vineyard, the landowner is God whose generosity is immeasurable that seems to go against the rules of “Fairness”. Yet, that is how our God is – He is forgiving, generous, compassionate, and unbelievably gracious.
How do we respond to God’s graciousness? Jesus teaches us that we have to forgive others just as the Father forgives us. But we usually refuse to forgive, because of the pain and hurt in our hearts. Jesus teaches us to be generous, but sometimes we do not give because we think others are taking advantage of us. Even if God has blessed us with so much, we refuse to share these blessings with others. Forgiving means “swallowing our pride”, denying ourselves, even experiencing humiliation. Responding to God’s graciousness is by being humble and obedient to Him, following His commands – in other words, being faithful to Him.
Faithfulness needs the discipline and sacrifice of our minds and hearts, a genuine effort to actually follow Jesus, rather than just “claiming” to follow Him. The great commandment of love is what we have to practice daily, as a sign of our obedience to God.
Spending much time in prayer allows us to know what is the will of God in our lives. So let us soak ourselves in prayer and ask ourselves:
1.What is it that God is asking me to do that I have not yet done or obeyed?
2.Do I just give “lip service” to God, saying “Yes” but not really carrying out His commands?