Here is part of our Old Testament reading, from the Book of Sirach: ‘Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray. Does a man harbour anger against another, and yet seek for healing from the Lord? Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself, and yet pray for his own sins? If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath, who will make expiation for his sins? Remember the end of your life, and cease from enmity, remember destruction and death, and be true to the commandments. Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbour; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook ignorance’. (Sirach 28:2-7)

St John Chrysostom commented: ‘Consider of how many things you are guilty; and so far from being backward to forgive them that have injured you, you will even run unto them that have grieved you, in order that you may have a ground for pardon, that you may find a remedy for your own evil deeds. (St John Chrysostom, Homily 79 on Matthew, section 4)

These words recall for us the Lord’s Prayer: ‘Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us …’ (Matthew 6:12)

Let us learn truly to forgive, that we may be forgiven; and may God bless you this day.