The Power of God’s Word and the Call to Forgiveness
Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 33:4-7,16-19; Matthew 6:7-15
The reading from Isaiah today gives us a striking image of how God’s Word works in our lives. Just as rain and snow fall from the sky and nourish the earth, making it fruitful, so too does God’s Word come to us with purpose. It is never empty or ineffective. It brings life, transformation, and renewal wherever it is received.
God’s Word is not just something we hear; it is something that sustains us. Jesus reminds us in the Gospel that we do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God. Think of a tree planted by a river—its roots absorb water, keeping it strong and full of life. But if a tree is left in dry, barren land, it withers. The same happens to us. When we neglect God’s Word, we become spiritually dry. We struggle more with stress, disappointment, and suffering because we lack the nourishment that gives us strength. But when we allow God’s Word to soak into our hearts, we are strengthened, encouraged, and filled with peace, even in difficult moments.
Today’s psalm assures us that when we cry out to God, God listens. Those who turn to the Lord will be radiant with joy. This is not just a poetic promise—it is something we can experience. God is close to us, especially when we call upon God with faith and trust.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is more than a set of words—it is a way of life. Jesus reminds us that God is our loving Parent who provides for us, forgives us, and calls us to do the same for others. But then comes a challenge: “If you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you.” These are not easy words to hear. We all desire mercy. We long for God’s forgiveness when we fall short. But Jesus makes it clear that the measure we use for others is the measure that will be used for us.
Forgiveness is difficult, especially when we have been deeply hurt. Sometimes, our pain feels too great, and we convince ourselves that holding onto anger will protect us. But it only traps us in resentment. Think about a situation where someone has wronged us, and in response, we refuse to speak to them. Maybe we avoid them, turn away when they approach, or act as if they no longer exist. It may feel justified, but deep down, that silence is a prison—for them and for us. Jesus invites us to something greater: to let go, to forgive as we have been forgiven.
When we truly understand how much God has pardoned us—how many times God has welcomed us back despite our failings—we find the strength to extend that same mercy to others. Lent is a time to allow God’s Word to work in us, to nourish us, and to transform us. It is a time to let go of grudges, to open our hearts to mercy, and to live in the freedom of God’s love. If we listen to the Word and put it into practice, we will find ourselves renewed, strengthened, and filled with the peace that only God can give.
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