THE GOSPEL
Matthew 18:21-35Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?
To receive forgiveness can be cheerful for us.
We can feel great peace and joy,
like walking out of jail!
But
forgiving others,
not so easy.
Jesus,
please help us
break those bonds
of our refusal to forgive!
Grant us your strength
to remove our
shackles.
Teach us
to forgive others
in the way that you forgive us.
Forgive,
and then 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,
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 your people,
or your planet.
