A reading from the book of Sirach.

Forgive your neighbors when they offend you,
Then you will be forgiven when you pray.
When we tend our anger against another,
How can we expect compassion from our Creator?
If we refuse mercy to our neighbor,
Can we ever seek God’s forgiveness for our sins?
If mere mortals cherish rage,
To whom will they turn for forgiveness?

The Word of God recorded in the book of Sirach.