In a temper Lord, wisdom, love, and what is good within us departs. Those of us who struggle to walk in the light feel broken, hurt and outraged because we responded wrongly to the vicious attacks of only those close to us know how to. And still was it not our sinful pride that opened the floodgates? Why do we choose turmoil over the peace and love of You who dwell within us when we are free from the debt of sin? Lord have mercy and help us.
Lord Jesus, we know from Your Word that all that we do and say can either draw others to You and Your Kingdom or lead them far away. Let us always choose that which is right and good. Lord have mercy and help us.
O merciful Lord You taught us to be forgiving as You are forgiving towards us for our numerous sins against You. Fill us with Your love and give us Your strength to overcome the hurt and pain caused by those who seek our forgiveness, so that we may never ever hold it back and be bound by unforgiveness. Lord have mercy and help us. Amen
FIRST READING
Wisdom 1:1–7
GOSPEL
Luke 17:1–6
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.”
And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
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