September 17, 2003, 24th Sunday in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of Syrac.

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight.

The vengeful will suffer the Lord's vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice.

Then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against another

and expect healing from the Lord? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself? Can he seek pardon for his own sins?

If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins?

Remember your last days.

Set enmity aside.

Remember death and decay and cease from sin.

Think of the commandments. hate not your neighbor.

Remember the Most High's covenant and overlook faults.

The Word of the Lord. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.

The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all my being bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.

He pardons all your inequities, he heals all your ills, he redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.

The Lord is kind and merciful,

slow to anger and rich in compassion.

He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever.

Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

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