The first reading and the gospel focus on what is very familiar to many of us - an unforgiving heart. Does the scripture not urge us to leave vengeance to the Lord? In Romans 12:19 the Lord says, “vengeance is mine, I will repay”. If we subtract the spirit of retaliation from our lives, the only remaining Christian attitude possible is that of forgiveness. The first reading makes an obvious statement: “He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord”. The right to revenge belongs to the Lord. When we take revenge, we arrogate to ourselves the power which we do not possess by right. We may ask, suppose I don’t revenge, how shall the offenders pay for their sins? The Bible answers: Leave that to the Lord. It makes sense. Doesn’t it?

PRAYER: Heal me of every injury I harbour in my heart. Many have offended me and I have hurt others. Lord, teach me to forgive. Amen