Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Matthew 18:21-35
In the reading from the prophet Daniel today we hear the lament of the people of Israel. Their spiritual and physical worlds have been shaken. They are bereft without Temple worship and strong leadership. As they look back over their journey they make appeal to the faithfulness of Abraham and Isaac. They want to do better and promise: ‘And now we put our whole heart into following you, into fearing you and seeking your face once more.’
Their time in Exile has shown them that their only hope lies in the depth of God’s mercy: ‘Do not disappoint us: treat us gently, as your yourself are gentle and very merciful.’
The appeal to God’s gentleness is a helpful reminder to us in Lent that not only do we rely on God’s gentleness, but, we, in turn, are to show that gentleness to others. We all have our areas where we are innately gentle. Sometimes it takes the kindness of another to show us a new way of being gentle. Writ through the ways in which we are gentle, is mercy for the situation of another.
How is God calling you to be gentle this Lent?