Mass Readings and Reflection for Tuesday March 10th 2026

First Reading: (Daniel 3:25, 34–43)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 25)

Response: Remember your compassion, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia.
Your words, Lord, are spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.
Alleluia.

Gospel: (Matthew 18:21–35)

Reflection:

The virtue of forgiveness requires sincerity. When we say we have forgiven someone who offended us, there should be no pretense. Sometimes people say, “I have forgiven you,” yet they still carry hatred, bitterness, and resentment in their hearts.

That is why Jesus says in today’s Gospel that we must forgive from the heart, not merely with our lips.

Many times we forgive with the mouth but not with the heart. True forgiveness means letting go of the bitterness that came from the offense. It means not carrying negative feelings toward the person who hurt us.

To forgive from the heart means wishing good for the offender, even when they caused us pain. It means being willing to help them if they are in trouble, instead of secretly hoping they will suffer the same hurt they gave us.

Forgiving from the heart also means not keeping score of wrongs. When God forgives us, He does not keep reminding us of our past sins. He does not count how many times we have fallen.

However, forgiveness does not mean a lack of wisdom. As human beings, we sometimes need to take precautions so that the same situation does not continue to hurt us.

For example:

• If someone betrayed your secret, you forgive them, but you may choose not to share secrets with them again.

• If someone misused money entrusted to them, you forgive them, but you may be careful about financial dealings in the future.

This is not hatred. It is prudence.

Forgiveness means removing hatred from the heart, but it does not mean ignoring lessons learned from experience.

Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, seven times. Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This means forgiveness should not have limits.

At the same time, offenders also have a responsibility. If we hurt someone, we should sincerely apologize and show true remorse. Empty apologies without change make it harder for others to forgive.

Today Jesus calls us to forgive from the heart. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible.

We forgive not because the offender deserves it, but because God has forgiven us, and we too need His mercy.

Let us pray especially for those who are deeply hurt, those who feel betrayed, frustrated, and wounded by the actions of others, that God may give them the grace to forgive from the heart.

And let us also pray for those who have offended others, that they may be sincere in their apologies and willing to make amends.

May God help us all to walk the path of forgiveness.

Amen

Have a wonderful day 😊