“I forgive. First, because I've been forgiven by God. Second, living in sin makes me miserable. And third, I'm going to need more forgiveness in the future. So we don't forgive for the benefit of others. We actually forgive for ourselves.”

"God's forgiveness is what we all need, and it is the greatest sign of His mercy. A gift that every forgiven sinner is called upon to share with every brother and sister he or she meets. It is beautiful to be forgiven, but you too, if you wish to be forgiven, forgive in turn. Forgive!”-- Pope Francis: General audience, March 30, 2016

Gospel Text: (MT 6:7-15)

Jesus said to his disciples:
"In praying, do not babble like the pagans,
who think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

"This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'

"If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions."

In this prayer we proclaim our trust in God, ask for our "daily bread" and for God's forgiveness for our offences against him.

So here is the question - Could we ask God to forgive us if we are unwilling to forgive others?