Reflecting on This Week's Scripture

Sirach 27:30—28:7 We cannot nourish anger and expect our own sins to be forgiven.

Psalm 103 “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.”

Romans 14:7–9 Whether we live or die, we do so in Christ.

Matthew 18:21–35 Jesus says we must forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

The reading from Sirach sets the theme today, counseling us to forgive our neighbor as we pray that our own sins may be forgiven. We sing in the responsorial psalm of the Lord’s kindness and mercy. Paul preaches that in life and death, we are the Lord’s. In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable of a king who was moved with compassion to forgive a great debt. May today’s readings inspire us to forgive others as we seek forgiveness ourselves.

How do I see myself letting resentment or bitterness build up in my heart? Who do I need to reach out to and forgive?