In today’s Gospel, we read of the servant who, having had his debts forgiven, refused to forgive those of his fellow servant. To we numerous Christians who fail to extend to others the graces that we desire of God, Christ offers a sobering warning, saying that just as the master did unto the wicked servant, so too “will my heavenly Father do unto you” (Matthew 18:35). We might wonder, however, why followers of Jesus are called to do unto others as God does unto them; is imitation of the Creator not a bar that has been set too high?

In considering this question, we can turn to the Catechism. There, we read that “Because creation comes forth from God’s goodness, it shares in that goodness” (CCC §299). But the converse is true as well; nothing is good but for its coming from God. This means that the ethical life can be nothing other than the imitation of God, enacting on the human scale divine purposes.

To imitate God, however, we must first be sensitive to God’s presence in our lives, and there is no better time for honing this sensitivity than Lent. I’ve recently tried to make it a habit to visit the Chapel close to STM’s closing time, and to spend some time there in prayer. There is a magic to the chapel in these moments; the crucifix hangs silently over the altar, the sanctuary candle flickers and the moonlight cascades through the windows, illuminating the window etchings—causing the walls to glow a soft white.

St. Edith Stein, in her commentary on St. John of the Cross’ Dark Night of the Soul, writes that on such nights, “voices can […] be heard that are drowned out by daytime noises.” When that in the world which entices or distracts is renounced, all that is left is the Love that sustains us in being. Contemplation, Stein says, is a “peaceful and loving inflow of God, which […] fires the soul in the spirit of Love.” Imagine if, even when all had been stripped away, we could dwell in the presence of God that fires the soul in the spirit of Love; surely then, no charity would be beyond us, no debts would go unforgiven.

This Lent, may we strive to move our souls ever closer to this “enkindling of love,” growing in awareness with each sacrifice and devotion that God alone can suffice, and does suffice; and, may we use this knowledge to give ourselves more fully to God, and neighbor, asking nothing of the cost.