The Gospel for Sunday, August 16, 2026, is from Matthew (Matt. ch. 18, vv. 23-35). Here, the Lord tells a parable which the Voice of the Lord of the Church of Greece titles "The duty of forgiveness and the parable of the ungrateful servant."
The parable is as follows: The master of some servants forgives a massive amount owed to him by one of them because he pleaded with him to wait until he could repay it. However, this benefited servant, shortly after, encountered a fellow servant who owed him a small amount of money and, despite his pleas, did not give him the chance to repay it later but instead threw him into prison. The other servants, seeing this great injustice, reported it to the master, and he strictly punished the ungrateful servant, telling him that just as the master had forgiven his debt, he too should have been compassionate toward his fellow servant. The parable teaches us that, since God forgives us our countless sins if we repent, we are obligated to forgive our fellow human beings as well, and specifically from our hearts.
From the brief description of the passage, Christ teaches us that forgiveness is a word that must be spoken to other people when we have hurt them. Also, we should forgive injustices, insults, slanders, and any other action or omission by our fellow humans against us. Forgiveness should be as real as we can make it, and not something we give only with words but also with our hearts. Moreover, He warns us that God will not forgive our transgressions if we do not forgive our brothers.
Another point I am reflecting on, prompted by this parable, is that when we lend money, especially in today's era, we should keep in mind that it may not be returned at all. Therefore, on one hand, we must be as willing and open-hearted as possible when giving where there is real need, rather than thinking stingily or narrowly, but simultaneously be prudent so that supporting a fellow human does not result in hardship for us. After all, God desires this, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Practically, this means with joy and with our will to help people and to give where there is difficulty, but sometimes also without over-analyzing how great the need is, since we also have the commandment to give to whoever asks us.
I believe this passage is one of the most moving and fundamental for our relationships with others, and we must be grateful to Christ who enlightens us regarding everything we need for our salvation.
August 2026.