Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

Then Peter came and said to him, ‘Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. ‘For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow-slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, “Pay what you owe.” Then his fellow-slave fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow-slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, “You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow-slave, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he should pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.’

Failure to forgive the Gospel tells us leads to a corrosive heart that closes us off from the mercy of God. How then can we cultivate a compassionate heart that is open to being forgiven and forgiving of others. I offer this prayer taken from the book “The Process of Forgiveness” by Fr William Meninger, now deceased, a monk from St. Benedict’s Monastery in Colorado. The author urges us to pray this prayer for others, including our family, friends and even our enemies. Pray this prayer often and your heart will be changed.

May you be happy.
May you be free.
May you be loving.
May you be loved.
May the Lord bring you to the fullest completion that his love calls you.
May every fibre of your being resonate to the glory to which God calls you.
May you be successful in your every endeavour.
May you experience the fullness of peace in body and soul.
May you know the Lord in all his goodness.
May you forgive every transgression.
I forgive you with all my heart and soul.
May you know what it means to be a child of God.
May you experience the glory of possessing the kingdom of God.
May you live and walk in peace and fellowship with all of God’s creatures.
May every blessing be yours.
May goodness and love show itself in everything that you do and in all that is done to you.
May you be one with all of God’s creation.
May you experience the blessings of God’s grace for all eternity!