Tue Mar 22, 2022

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 Today's Scripture passages remind me that this is a time to pray for mercy. Our first reading (Dan 3:25,34-43) is the prayer of Azariah, one of Daniel's three companions. The four are servants to the King of Babylon. Their nation has been exiled for unfaithfulness to their covenant with God – through idolatry, corruption and injustice toward the poor. They have been conquered and taken away in chains. When Daniel and his companions refuse to worship the king's golden statue, they are thrown into a furnace to be burned alive. Azariah prays in the flames. He asks for mercy, reminding God of His promises to Abraham, and acknowledges his people's sin. Without Jerusalem's temple or altar, the only sacrifice Azariah can offer is a humbled and contrite heart:

“We have in our day no prince, prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with you.
But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received;”

He again asks for the mercy and deliverance, by which God will glorify His Name:

Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy.
Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.”

In psalm 25, David humbly asks for guidance: “Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” David recognizes himself as a sinner; he needs God to show him the way; otherwise, he knows he is lost.

Today's Gospel (Mt 18: 21=35) speaks about our need to forgive one another, “seventy times seven.” Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant's harsh fate illustrates the absolute necessity for us to forgive like God, the forgiving King, forgives.

Each day, I need forgiveness, mercy and guidance; and it is the mercy of God that enables me to forgive. Being reminded of this is one of the gifts of Lent. Like Azariah, I must acknowledge my share in my nation's sin, in the world's sin, and ask for mercy – for myself, my family and even for those who find themselves far from God. The forces of evil drawing battle lines in the world today are a kind of fiery furnace that engulfs us all. It's time to pray for mercy, and more than ever, for a heart willing to forgive.

Link to readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032222.cfm

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