In the first reading we are taught that, if we wish to serve God, we need wisdom: “Crooked thinking distances you from God, and his Omnipotence, put to the test, confounds the foolish.”

If we wish to be followers of Christ, we must be Christ-like. In the Gospel reading Jesus tells us not to scandalize or lead others to sin and to have faith which can literally move mountains: “If you have faith even the size of a mustard seed, you may say to this tree: ‘Be uprooted and plant yourself in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

We should not be obstacles to those who wish to follow the Lord. By showing good example we help and lead others to God. Let us be conscious how our actions affect others, for ill or good.

Jesus tells us to be forgiving of those who have wronged us: “If your brother offends you, rebuke him and if he is sorry, forgive him. And if he offends you seven times in a day but says to you seven times: ‘I’m sorry,’ forgive him.”

In the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis reminded us: “God does not get tired of forgiving us; it is we who get tired of asking forgiveness from him.”