The Amateur Christian

Taking an attitude of scarcity in the face of shared blessings can lead to resentment, even for the Source of those blessings.

The first servant’s debt wasn’t just “great”; it was unpayable. Like, 164,000 years’-salary! The mercy of the Master reveals not only the gratuitous nature of God’s forgiveness, but also the absurdity of our holding only unforgiveness.

Today’s Gospel can be challenging, especially when we see correction as a negative experience. However, when we see it in the light of the love of Christ and His will for the Church, it is actually an immense gift.

When Jesus tells Saint Peter to “get behind me,” it’s not simply a chastisement. Rather, He is instructing him (and us) in how to be a disciple. Only by following Christ can we hope for eternal life. Every other agenda will lead to something less.

All Christian identities founded on the person of Jesus. When we recognize Christ for who He is, the we must also allow Him to define us - not the other way around. Our identity and mission can only come from Him.

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.

God does the impossible. This we know. However, our liturgy this weekend tells us that God also invites us to do the impossible as well. “Give them some food yourselves,” Jesus says. We can complain about lack of resources; or, we can cooperate in the miraculous work of the Lord.