March 22. Should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had mercy on you?”   Pauline shared, “There is an awful lot of blaming and shaming going on these days.  If it is not shady business deals or state capture it is sexual harassment. I’ve always thought that justice should be done but it seems that deals are being made to write off debts or to pay money to prevent charges being laid.   Was it always like that, one wonders, or is society just becoming more dishonest.”  Her brother was quick to answer. “Read the gospel of the servants to whom money was owed. One was generous and wrote off the debt and the other servant wanted his “pound of flesh.”  “Sure,” their dad said, “ but what God expects is for us to be merciful and forgiving.  Isn’t that even going beyond what is fair?”            Reflect, share and act. Scripture: “I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had mercy on you?” Matthew 18:21-35. Pope Francis:  In marriage and family life unexpected situations occur disrupting family life and requiring forgiveness and reconciliation.  In resolving sincerely to forgive each has to ask quietly and humbly if he or she has not somehow created the conditions that led to the other’s mistake. To know how to forgive and feel forgiven is a basic experience in family life.  AL 236.  Moral Regeneration Movement Positive Values Charter 3. Committed to the spirit of ubuntu we dedicate ourselves improve material well-being and economic justice. The socio-economic rights that are part of our constitution must be seen as more than inspirational rights. Choose an act of love and sacrifice from the list, also published at www.marfam.org.za/lent