Do you remember where you were on 9/11? its one of those days that has become etched into the mind and heart of history. Two generations ago the question was "do you remember where you were when JFK was assassinated?" in our time the question regularly is "do you remember where you were when you heard about the twin towers?" There then follows a blow by blow account of where you were, what you were at, who you were with.
I was in Assisi in Italy. I was a seminarian at the time and had just begun studies in Rome. We were bundled off to try and learn Italian in the Umbrian town so much associated with 'pax et bonum'. What I remember about the day was not knowing what had happened. I remember going into a shop, the attendant glued to his radio. It was obvious that something had happened. i could not understand. It was only when I go back to our house did I realise the horror that was unfolding for so many people. I had to see the pictures, it had to be explained to me what had happen - and it was very, very scary,.
The Gospel today paints pictures. It is as if Jesus is painting us a picture about what he wants us to learn. The huge debt versus the small, the ungrateful servant verses his debtor, the compassion of the master and his justice. Each of the comparisons paint a vivid image. On such a significant day a 9/11, we cannot but face this most difficult teaching of the Lord.
Forgiveness is not easy, in fact it can be so hard, we can spend a life time held captive by feelings of regret and guilt over the things we have done and failed to do. In Jesus we have been forgiven. By no merit of our own. We share His life because of his Passion and debt. "How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?" Forgive and be forgiven.
On 9/11, let us ask God for His all powerful forgiveness to touch the hearts of rulers and nations; may
the God of mercy and compassion guide us into the way of peace.
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