Deacon:  Wisdom. Stand up. Hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest:   Peace to you all. 

People:  And to your spirit.

Deacon:  A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew [18:23-35]

People:  Glory to You Lord. Glory to You.

Priest:   Listen.

Deacon:

At that time, Jesus told this parable.

"The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.

When he began the settlement, they brought him a man who owed him ten thousand kilos of gold. As he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children, and all he owned, so his debt could be paid.

The servant fell before him and begged, 'Lord, give me time, and I will pay it all.' The servant's master felt so sorry for him, he released him, and forgave him the debt.

But as this servant went out, he came across one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred dollars. Seizing him by the throat he began to strangle him saying, 'Pay me what you owe.'

His fellow servant fell before him begging, 'Give me time, and I will pay it all.' But the other servant refused. Instead he had him thrown into prison, till he could pay the debt.

When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed. They went to their master, and reported all that happened.

Then the master summoned him and said, 'You wicked servant. I forgave all that debt of yours because you begged me. Were you not then duty bound to forgive your fellow servant, just as I forgave you?'

And in anger his master sent him to jail, until he could pay all his debt.

And that is how my heavenly Father will judge each of you, unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

People:  Glory to You Lord, Glory to You