September 18, 2023 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mathew(18:21-35)

 September 18, 2023

Reflection....

The reading carries reference to the central theme of forgiveness.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mathew (18:21-35)

" Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? Asa many as seven times?" Christ said to him, " Not seven times, but I tell you, seventy-seven times. " For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.  When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was bought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.  So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying " Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything." And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.  But that same slave, as he went out, came upon of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by throat, he said, " Pay what you owe."  Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him,  " Have patience with me, and I will pay you." But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.  When his fellow slaves saw what happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went to their lord all that had taken place.  Then his lord summoned him and said to him, "You wicked slave!  I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.  Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?" And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.  So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you. if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

This is the Liturgy of Christian Church. On the same Sunday morning, NHK E,"KOKORO NO JIDAI"

had an interview with a German Zen Monk from Antaiji.  He lives in simple Zen life with vegetables grown in their backyard; meditating daily with Zazen. The idea or philosophy goes to our 30,000 or 50,000 lives of HomoSapiens compare with billions of years of Cosmic world and think of how short and mortal life of us.

Zen is based on the Cosmic world and us, Homo Sapiens; and  Judeo-Christian base on our daily life and thinking of going up to heaven to attain future eternity. Reflection on both tells us simply to do good to others.