Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 18:21- 19:1):

Lord Jesus Christ,

You teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Free our hearts from resentment, anger, bitterness, and the desire for revenge. When we are deeply w0unded, give us the grace to remember the mercy we ourselves have received from You. Help us not only to say, “I forgive,” but to truly release the pain we carry and entrust justice to You. Give us the humility to recognize our own faults and the courage to seek reconciliation when we have hurt others.

Lord, heal our families, friendships, communities, and Church wherever w0unds and divisions have taken root. Teach us to choose reconciliation over resentment, mercy over judgment, and love over retaliation. May we never forget the lesson of the unforgiving servant: we have received far more mercy from You than we could ever repay. May the mercy we receive from Your hands overflow into the lives of those who have offended us.Lord Jesus, bless those who find forgiveness difficult today. Touch their w0unded hearts and give them peace. And bless those who are waiting for our forgiveness; may we have the courage to take the first step toward reconciliation. Amen