Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/481



I. Imagine  yourself  to  be  that  servant,  who  in  this day's gospel  is  said  to  have  owed  his  master  "  ten  thousand talents." (Matt, xviii.  24.)  The  debt,  which  a  sinner owes  to  God  for  one  mortal  sin,  is  in  a  certain  manner infinite. He is  unable  to  pay  this  debt,  and  to  make satisfaction for  his  sins,  although  he,  and  every  thing which belongs  to  him,  were  sold,  and  himself  reduced  to perpetual  slavery. What then  would  become  of  you, were your  Lord  to  call  you  to  an  account  this  very  day? You are  charged  with  a  great  debt,  and  are, unable  to to  pay  it.

II. God's goodness  prompts  Him  to  be  willing  to  forgive even  more  than  man  can  owe. He is  "  rich  in mercy"  (Ephes.  ii.  4),  "  patient,  and  plenteous  in  mercy." (Ps. cxliv.  8.)  "Come  and  accuse  Me,  saith  the  Lord; if  your  sins  be  as  scarlet,  they  shall  be  made  as  white  as snow." (Joel, ii.  13,  and  Is.  i.  18.)  He  will  visit  you  today in  the  Eucharist,  which  He  wishes  to  make  a  sanctuary or  place  of  refuge  for  all  His  debtors,  who  cannot pay their  debts. Hence David  says,  "  The  Lord  is  become a  refuge  for  the  poor." (Ps. ix.  10.)  O  how  ought you to  wish  for  the  coming  of  your  great  and  good creditor!

III. From this  parable  we  learn  what  preparations  are necessary for  His  coming — "  I  forgave  thee  all  the  debt, because  thou  besoughtest  Me." Therefore, He  is  to  be