The Memorial for today is for Saint Frances of Rome. St. Frances was born into a wealthy family in Italy in the 14th century. She was attracted to the religious life as a child, but her parents arranged a marriage for her when she was 12.
She and her husband had 3 children but lost 2 of them to the plague that struck Rome and swept across Italy. To help others suffering from the plague, Frances sold her possessions and opened a section of her house as a hospital.
In an effort to expand her ministry, Frances got permission and founded the Olivetan Oblates of Mary. This society of women were not cloistered or bound by formal vows but followed the example of St. Frances that combined a life of prayer with serving the poorest of the poor. St. Frances died in 1440 and was canonized in 1608.
The unselfish life of service that St. Frances chose is a stark contrast to the main character in our Gospel for today. St. Frances gave herself to God, to her family and to the poor. The wicked servant in Jesus’ parable spent his life taking from others and never being satisfied, even when the king forgave his large debt. His selfishness and lack of gratitude seemed to prevent him from forgiving his fellow servant…even putting him put intp prison, instead of having compassion.
Offering someone true forgiveness from the heart may be the most unselfish act we are asked to do in this life. If we remember how much God has forgiven us we can avoid becoming like the unforgiving servant who, though he was forgiven much, failed to forgive others.
We know that praying for a person who has hurt us can bring healing and the Catechism tells us that “the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion.” CCC 2843
As we reflect on the need for forgiveness in our lives, let us ask for the intercession of St. Frances to help us follow her beautiful example.