Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent

• First Reading – Daniel 3:25, 34-43: This is a prayer offered by Azariah (also known as Abednego) while he and his companions, Shadrach and Meshach, were in the fiery furnace for refusing to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. Azariah pleads with God to have mercy on them and not to forsake his covenant with their ancestors, despite their sins and lack of offerings. He asks God to receive their humble contrition as a sacrifice and deliver them by his wonders, bringing glory to his name.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: I seek the Lord’s guidance, trusting in His salvation. May His enduring love and mercy remember me, guiding me in righteousness and teaching me humility.
• Gospel – Matthew 18:21-35: Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, and Jesus tells him not seven times but seventy-seven times. He then tells a parable about a king who forgives a servant who owes him a huge amount, but the servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a smaller amount. Jesus warns that his heavenly Father will treat them similarly unless they forgive from their hearts.

Lectionary Reference: 238

Upcoming dates: March 10, 2026, March 2, 2027, March 21, 2028, March 6, 2029, March 26, 2030, March 18, 2031, March 2, 2032, March 22, 2033

Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Matthew 18:21

On Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, the readings bring together themes of mercy, repentance, and forgiveness. Azariah’s prayer from the furnace and Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness help us think about how we approach God and others with humility and love.

• God’s mercy in trials: Azariah calls on God’s mercy while suffering in the fire. He trusts that God will not forget His people, even when they have sinned.
• True repentance pleases God: Azariah admits the people’s failings and offers their sorrow as a sacrifice. This shows that God values a humble heart more than burnt offerings.
• Forgiving others is required: Jesus tells a parable that shows the need to forgive others. Those who receive mercy must also show mercy.
• God forgives much: The king in Jesus’ parable forgives a large debt. This reminds us that God is willing to forgive all our sins when we ask sincerely.
• Unforgiveness blocks grace: The servant who refused to forgive his fellow servant was punished. Jesus warns us that we cannot expect God’s forgiveness if we do not forgive others.
• Mercy brings glory to God: Azariah asks God to save them for the sake of His name. Showing mercy reflects God’s character and brings Him honor.

The readings from Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to reflect on how we ask for God’s mercy and how we offer mercy to others. When we live with forgiveness and humility, we stay close to God’s will.

The readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to think deeply about mercy, prayer, and the state of our hearts. Through Azariah’s prayer in the furnace and Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, we are reminded of the power of turning to God with humility and the responsibility of sharing the mercy we receive. These reflections help us look at how we treat others and how we speak to God when we are in need. They guide us to a life of deeper trust, honest faith, and love in action.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer

In the first reading for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Azariah speaks to God from inside the fiery furnace. He is not just asking for help for himself. He is praying for all his people. He admits their failures and pleads with God to show mercy, not because of their goodness, but because of God’s promises. This is an example of intercessory prayer—praying for others.

Azariah teaches us how important it is to pray for others, especially when they are struggling. He does not complain about being in trouble. Instead, he puts others first and asks God to remember His people. His prayer shows love for others, even in the middle of his own suffering.

This kind of prayer helps us grow in faith. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we are part of a larger community. When we pray for others, we share in their burdens. We ask God to help them, just as we would hope someone would pray for us.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent shows that intercession is powerful. God listens to prayers offered with love and humility. We are called to do the same—lift up the needs of others and trust that God hears us.

Justice and Judgment

The Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent tells the story of a servant who is forgiven a huge debt by his master. But this same servant refuses to forgive someone who owes him a much smaller amount. When the master hears about it, he takes back his mercy and punishes the servant. Jesus uses this parable to teach a clear lesson: mercy must be shared.

This parable shows the connection between justice and mercy. God is full of mercy, but He also expects us to act justly. When we receive forgiveness, we are expected to pass that same forgiveness on to others. If we don’t, we are choosing to reject the mercy we were given.

Justice in God’s eyes is not just about fairness. It’s also about love. If we want to be treated with mercy, we must treat others with mercy too. That’s what the Gospel message is showing us.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent helps us reflect on how we respond when people hurt us. Do we hold on to anger, or do we forgive? Jesus reminds us that forgiveness is not just a nice idea—it is required for those who want to live in God’s mercy.

God Looks at the Heart

Both readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent show that God cares more about what is in our hearts than what we offer with our hands. Azariah admits that his people have no gifts or sacrifices to bring. Still, he asks God to accept their spirit of humility and their desire to return to Him. He offers their sorrow and trust as their sacrifice.

In the Gospel, the master forgives the servant’s debt out of compassion. But when that same servant refuses to forgive another, his true heart is revealed. His words may have asked for mercy, but his actions showed no mercy to others. God sees beyond our words. He knows our real attitude.

God wants honest hearts. He wants us to admit our wrongs, forgive others, and rely on Him. Our faith is not just about saying the right things or showing up for prayer. It’s about what we carry inside—love, mercy, and a desire to live by His way.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent reminds us to look inward. Are we truly sorry for our sins? Are we willing to show mercy like God shows us? These readings help us see that real change starts in the heart, and that is what God values most.

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Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent reminds us that God listens to our prayers, calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven, and cares most about what we carry in our hearts. The lessons from these readings challenge us to be honest, loving, and faithful in our daily walk. May we take time to examine our hearts, offer prayers for others, and share mercy freely.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You in every moment. Teach me to pray for others with love and to forgive as You forgive me. Clean my heart and guide my steps. Let me stay close to You and choose Your way each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Do I make time to pray for others who are struggling?
• When I am wronged, am I quick to forgive, or do I hold on to it?
• What does my prayer say about my heart and my trust in God?
• How can I live out mercy more fully in my daily life?

Word on Fire: Suffer With

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on God’s mercy in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, emphasizing its roots in compassion and God’s tender mercy (hesed). Mercy, a core attribute of God’s nature, is likened to a mother’s undying love for her children, highlighting God’s unending care for us. This divine mercy, especially evident in the forgiveness of sins, is described as the greatest grace, offering reconciliation and restoration of divine friendship. Barron uses G.K. Chesterton’s conversion to Catholicism, motivated by the desire for forgiveness, to underscore the profound impact of God’s mercy on individuals seeking redemption.

What date is Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The next date is Tuesday March 10, 2026.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Tuesday March 10, 2026 are:
First Reading – Daniel 3:25, 34-43: Azariah’s Prayer in the Fiery Furnace
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: Prayer for Guidance and Remembrance of God’s Mercy
Gospel – Matthew 18:21-35: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

What is Azariah asking for in his prayer?

Azariah is asking God for mercy. He wants God to remember His promises and help His people, even though they have sinned.

Why is Azariah praying in the fire?

He and his friends were thrown into the fire for refusing to worship a false god. Even in danger, Azariah turns to God with trust.

What does Azariah mean by offering a humble heart?

He is saying that even without animals or gifts to offer, a humble and sorry heart is enough. He knows God values honesty and true repentance.

What lesson does the parable of the unforgiving servant teach?

It teaches that we must forgive others just as God forgives us. If we do not show mercy, we should not expect mercy.

Why was the king angry in the parable?

The king forgave a large debt, but the servant refused to forgive a small one. The king was angry because the servant did not pass on the kindness he received.

What does seventy-seven times mean?

It means we should keep forgiving without keeping count. Forgiveness should be a way of life, not something we measure.

Why is forgiveness so important?

Forgiveness brings peace and healing. It also reflects God’s love, which we are called to share with others.

What does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent teach about prayer?

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent shows that prayer is powerful, especially when we pray with a sincere heart. Azariah’s prayer is a good example of honest faith.

How does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent connect mercy and justice?

In both readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent, mercy is shown to those who are humble and sincere. But justice comes to those who are cruel and unforgiving.

What can I learn from Azariah’s example?

You can learn to pray even in hard times and to trust God’s mercy. Azariah shows that honest prayer can bring strength and hope.

How does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent help me live better?

It helps you see the importance of prayer, repentance, and forgiveness. These are key ways to grow closer to God and to others.

How can I apply the message of Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent in daily life?

You can pray more for others, forgive people who hurt you, and look at your own heart with honesty. These are simple but important steps to live by faith.