13/09/2026
Today we read about forgiveness in both the first reading from Ecclesiasticus, Psalm 102 and Gospel. Ecclesiasticus reminds us that ‘Resentment and anger, these are foul things..
He who exacts vengeance will experience the vengeance of the Lord, who keeps strict account of sin.
Forgive your neighbour the hurt he does you,
and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven.
If a man nurses anger against another,
can he then demand compassion from the Lord?
Showing no pity for a man like himself,
can he then plead for his own sins?’
In Matthew’s Gospel Peter went up to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’
Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy‐seven times.’
Ecclesiasticus also known as the Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sira (a Jewish Scribe) or simply Sirach, was written around 180–175 BCE. The Latin word ecclesia means "church," so Ecclesiasticus means "church book," given because it was widely used in early Christian worship and instruction. It offers practical, moral advice on everyday topics like friendship, self-control, wealth, and treatment of the poor.
If we want to be forgiven then we must forgive transgressions against us. Not easy to do but our peace of mind is more valuable than harbouring grudges.