Newsletter 17th September 2023 (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time) (A)

A little thought

It is inconsistent to celebrate our God as the Lord of compassion and love, unless we show mercy to those who have wronged us. Today’s Gospel calls us to forgive as Christ forgives us. Some of the finer minds among the Old Testament writers already perceived this connection: “If one has no mercy toward another like himself, can he then seek pardon for his own sins?”

• First Reading – Sirach 27:30—28:7: Wrath and anger are condemned, while forgiveness of others is commended. Remember mortality and God’s commandments, setting aside enmity and overlooking faults.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: Bless the Lord for his kindness and mercy. He pardons iniquities, heals ills, and redeems lives. His compassion is vast, putting transgressions far away from those who fear him.
• Second Reading – Romans 14:7-9: Whether living or dying, we belong to the Lord. Christ’s death and resurrection affirm that he is Lord of both the living and the dead, and our lives should reflect that.
• Gospel – Matthew 18:21-35: Jesus teaches about forgiveness using a parable of a servant forgiven a huge debt but who then refuses to forgive a smaller debt. The master, angry at this hypocrisy, punishes him. Jesus warns that we must forgive others wholeheartedly.