Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 27:30-28:7; Ps 102: 1-4. 9-12 r.8; Rom 14: 7-9; Matt 18:21-35
The Wisdom book, Ecclesiasticus, was written in Hebrew about 200 BC by Ben Sira, a Jewish sage. There are many allusions in the new Testament to the later Greek version. At a time of increasing pagan Greek influence, Ben Sira showed that Israel’s religion was still a firm basis for moral living. He gives many practical examples, helping Christians of every age to apply moral truths to their own times. His strict condemnation of nursing anger and resentment is all too relevant for us today.
Psalm 102(103) is a hymn of thanksgiving and tender piety for God’s generous mercy – because of our frailty. How blessed we are that God “does not treat us according to our sins”.
The last of our Sunday readings from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome emphasises that we belong to the community of all believers, both those alive now – and in the future – and those who have died. Our lives have influence on others. Linking both to Sirach and Matthew in the next verse Paul says “Why do you pass judgement on your brother?”
In today’s Gospel Sirach’s advice to forgive is graphically illustrated: Jesus tells Peter we must always forgive. We are saved by forgiveness – ours as well as Christ’s.
Psalm Response: The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 27:30-28:7; Ps 102: 1-4. 9-12 r.8; Rom 14: 7-9; Matt 18:21-35
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