Reading: Matthew 6,12
And forgive us our debts…
Reflection: A few years ago, I watched a documentary about a local actor who, in desperation to save his daughter’s life, borrowed money from a loan shark. He said that he went into a building, and met a very nice gentleman who loaned him the money without any problems. He couldn’t believe how easy it was to get the amount he needed. This encounter was the beginning of a downward spiral in his life. He took out a loan that he couldn’t repay. The interest rate was so high that he began to borrow from other people and find ways to repay the loan. The loan shark, as is usually the case, was a criminal who made a great business out of this way of earning money. Eventually, he started selling furniture from his apartment. He said that the last straw was when the criminals came to take the stove that heated him and his family in the middle of winter. Something happened to him then, and he decided to fight and get out of this hellish circle.
There is a saying in our culture that goes, “While he lures you in, he feeds you, honey. When he lures you in, he forbids bread.” Sin tempts us like a nice gentleman who, with sympathy and kindness, offers us what we need because we are desperate. Patting us on the back, he comforts us with sweet words, saying that this is an excellent choice we have made. This usually isn’t the best way for us, but it seems like the only way out. And it always leaves a bitter taste in our mouths.
Jesus knows that this is our daily struggle. “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” he says to the crowd gathered to stone the prostitute. So, right after our daily bread, comes the forgiveness of our sins (our daily sins).
I am infinitely grateful because I have a God who is capable of forgiving sins. Who is capable of pulling us out of the clutches of debt that take our soul, drop by drop, like a greedy loan shark? This prayer manifests His mercy. God wants to forgive our sins. God wants to save us. What sins are you in debt to today? Which loan sharks are holding you on a short leash and not allowing you bread?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your love is so great that you forgave our debts once and for all. You have broken the chains of sin in our lives and given us freedom. We are no longer slaves, but free people who have been forgiven much. Help me today to see which loan sharks I am enslaved to in my life. Help me to see where I have not sought forgiveness from you because I did not trust you enough. Forgive me for my sins, and thank you for already forgiving me EVERYTHING.”