Gospel (Matthew XVIII:23-35)

18

²³ "Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.

²⁴ When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

²⁵ And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.

²⁶ So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'

²⁷ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

²⁸ But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'

²⁹ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'

³⁰ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.

³¹ When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.

³² Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

³³ And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'

³⁴ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.

³⁵ So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."