THE GOSPEL
Matthew 18:21-35Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?
To receive forgiveness can be joyful for us.
We can be glad and at peace,
like walking out of jail.
But
forgiving others:
not so easy.
Jesus,
please help us
break the bonds
of our refusal to forgive!
Please let us use your strength
to remove our shackles.
Teach us
how to forgive others
in the same way you forgive us.
To forgive,
and then to forget.
No strings attached.
THE FIRST READING
Sirach 27:30-28:7
Forgive your neighbor’s injustice;
then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Lord
loosen
our grip.
Do not
let us clutch
wrath and anger
so tightly.
Please help us let them go,
to forgive those who trespass against us,
or against any of your children,
or your planet.
