March 18, 2026

This week, I heard a story about some travelers at an airport. The storyteller was in line with his friend at the ticket counter, waiting to be served. The customer head of them was irate, yelling at the employees about delays and weather other things well beyond the control of the agent attempting to assist him. When the irritable man finally departed, the agent looked visibly shaken. The storyteller and his friend stepped forward to be helped, and this friend said, “Woah, he’s in trouble.” The agent looked puzzled. But the man pulled a small troll from his pocket. She looked even more puzzled.

The man explained his little troll had been watching this customer’s behavior and he’d be telling his troll friends who would be after that man. The agent began to smile. He went on, “I’ll leave him with you to keep an eye out. But his favorite treat is this…” and he produced a bag of M&Ms. “If it’s alright with you, I’ll leave him and his treats in your care.” She accepted the treat, helped them with their tickets, and wished them a safe journey. Her demeanor had changed, her day had been brightened, and they departed in good spirits.

The original customer was indebted to the calm professional who helped him in spite of his behavior. And the impish friend with a small troll and bag of candy paid the debt happily. Jesus tells stories about debt and debtors and generosity. He includes in his prayer that we are to ask for forgiveness, yes, but also forgive debts. The Lord’s Prayer is much shorter than the parable he tells, and the line is short. But it’s important enough to include in the one prayer he taught us. If it’s as important as our daily bread and the kingdom of God, then we should look for daily opportunities to wipe the slate clean for others. Our eyes should be keen daily for opportunities of justice as Christ has taught us to see. And our pockets should be full of the means to wipe the slate clean with kindness and generosity, even if it’s just a snack pack of M&Ms.

Rev. Brian Daoust