Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday of the 2nd week of Lent, March 17, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Daniel 9: 4b-10; Rs psalm 79: 8.9.11.13; Luke 6: 36-38CONFESSION The theme for our meditation today is: Confession.Andrew was an exemplary teacher. For 30 years as an educator in elementaryschool, his life example was very memorable to his students. He has neverreceived public recognition and awards from any institution. The school itselfnever recorded or reported about his personal story and real life. But the recognition and appreciation are recorded inthe hearts of his students. Many alumni remember this teacher for many years.His example of generosity, fidelity to his duties and honesty in all hisconduct is remembered for life by his former students. Each batch thatgraduated from school carried the name "Andrew" to remain engraved intheir hearts and memories. One of his former students was a government officialat where the veteran educator lives, who spent his retirement in modesty withhis wife and extended family. The former student testified that one of theforms of the old teacher's example that he remembered very much was hissincerity in admitting mistakes. It is the teacher's duty to reprimand, correct andeven punish the guilty student. For example, if a student is late for class, hewill definitely be reprimanded. A stubborn and mischievous student, he must bepunished appropriately. And every time the teacher made a certain mistake oromission, he also sincerely admitted it. He often said: "I'm sorry, I'mguilty." Often he also admitted in front of his students: "I'm sorryfor all of you, because I’m late." The teacher's confession made the students finallyrespect him very much. They trusted and loved him more and more. They admittedthat the teacher was smart, fatherly, sincere and humble. And the mostimportant thing is that with that confession, the teacher was forgiven by hisstudents. The sign of forgiveness was manifested by never remembering orbringing up his mistakes. Instead, they remembered and were more grateful forthe kindness and sincerity of their teacher. Today the prophet Daniel in his book counsels us aboutthe importance of confessing our sins sincerely and humbly. As a partner ofconfession, of course, forgiveness. And God has the power to forgive. But thispower is also poured out on us, so Jesus teaches that we must also forgiveothers, so that we too may be forgiven. It is very important that we do this inthis period of Lent.Let us pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus,forgive our mistakes and make us forgivers like Yourself. Glory to the Fatherand to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father...