May 27: Forgive As You Are Forgiven

Rembrandt van Rijn: The Return of the Prodigal Son
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg, 1669

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mk 11:11-26

“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses (NRSV, Mk 11:25).”

Father, at every moment, in every place, as you offer your life to every human being through the Word, you offer your forgiveness as well. It does not have to be pleaded for or paid for. It is free to all who will accept it. But in accepting your life and forgiveness we bind ourselves as well to forgive those who have sinned against us.

Help us, Father, not to reject the gift that you offer to us by refusing to pass it on to others.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.