March 10, 2026
Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Today is Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent. The passage from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew presents a dialogue between Jesus and Peter.

St. Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (cf. Mt 18:21) This resonates with the attitude we often hold in daily life. For at times, we too set a limit for ourselves in every matter—a limit that we arbitrarily establish. Thus, when Jesus says, “I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times” (cf. Mt 18:22), we might naturally interpret this to mean: for me, I only need to forgive others 490 times, and beyond that limit, I can retaliate justifiably.

In fact, like the servant in the parable told by Jesus today who was unable to repay his huge debt, we have committed many sins. For from the moment we are born into the world, we are stained with the guilt of original sin due to the disobedience of our first parents (Adam and Eve). The infinitely merciful God, in accordance with His divine providence, when the fullness of time had come, sent His only Son into the world so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life (cf. Jn 3:16).

What do we do after our sins are forgiven? I believe that among us, there are some brothers and sisters who, like the wicked servant in the parable (Mt 18:28-30)—who, after having all his debt forgiven by his master, still demanded repayment of what was owed to him—remain preoccupied with the things of this world, neglecting the happiness that God has prepared for us from the very beginning of creation. The happiness that God has prepared for us from the very beginning of creation is this: with the assistance of His grace, we are washed clean of our original sin by the living water flowing from Christ’s sacred side, and by receiving the Holy Spirit whom He sent to us after Christ’s Ascension, we begin a new life in the infinite love of Christ.

May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray,
but make us dedicated to your holy service
and at all times obtain for us your help.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica