Mass for this weekend will be live streamed on Facebook on Sat. Sept. 12 at 4 PM. Even if you don't have a Facebook account, you can access the live stream here, as well as watch any of our past Facebook live streams.
This week's bulletin message from Fr Moser:
Our scripture readings this Sunday focus on the theme of forgiveness (from the heart). In our reading from the book of Sirach we hear: “The vengeful will suffer the Lord’s vengeance ... Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.” The Responsorial Psalm refrain exclaims: “The Lord is kind and merciful ...”. Saint Peter steps into the limelight again in our gospel. He asks Jesus, “... how often must I forgive (my brother)? As many as seven times?” Jesus' response is shocking; Be like me - Forgive all the time! [Seventy-seven times].
When we offer forgiveness it does not mean that wounds disappear, our feelings of being offended have evaporated, and we no longer are hurting. In truth, forgiveness is rarely easy; however, it is one of the most unselfish acts of love and can be one of the greatest acts of freedom. If we learn to forgive and not allow the thoughts and desires to “get even” with someone to dominate our lives, then there will be deeper peace within us, greater peace with our neighbor, and abiding peace with God. When we obsess about the wrongs done to us or the unpaid debts owed to us – this obsession does not bring about repayment, but will certainly cause inner turmoil. Every time we hold onto resentment, bitterness, and revenge – this will poison our hearts, ourselves, and our relationships.
It is with trust and confidence in God’s love we can forgive from the heart any offense. We can find the strength to be forgiving by our own continuing recourse to the mercy of God. If Jesus is so generous when forgiving us, shouldn’t we do the same for others – and for ourselves?
Like Jesus, may we turn to God the Father when forgiveness is difficult. Perhaps you can offer this prayer each day: Lord Jesus, make my heart like yours. May I be filled with your love and your mercy, ready to forgive. Amen.
Family worship service
Question for reflection this week: Jesus challenges us to forgive. Who needs your forgiveness? From whom do you need to ask forgiveness?
Some family activities for the week to bring the readings into your daily life:
- Forgiveness should be a permanent choice. Help family members visualize their decision to forgive. Have each family member write down on a scrap of paper someone they need to forgive and for what they will forgive that person. Then without reading them, find a safe location or container to burn the scraps of paper. Pray the Our Father together as a family at the conclusion of the burn.
- Remind family members that forgiving oneself for past mistakes is just as important as forgiving others. Have family members pause and consider whether they are withholding forgiveness of themselves. They should write the situation down then tear it into small pieces and throw it in the trash can, or burn it as the previous activity suggests. Discuss what it feels like to really forgive oneself. Remind them that if someone hurts them and they forgive that person, is it okay for the person forgiven to continue holding on to the mistake long after being forgiven? Then wouldn’t God be concerned that he has forgiven us but we can’t forgive ourselves?
- Consider stories or movies where one of the characters seeks vengeance. What was the outcome of this story? Consider also stories or movies where one of the characters is humble and forgiving. What was the outcome of this story? Discuss the natural consequences of humility.
Reflection on the Sunday Readings for Kids
Fr Mike talking about the theme for the weekend...forgiveness.
This weekend's readings remind us of the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.