Good News Inspiration for Daily Life
Bulletin Insert for September 13, 2020.
Description: Reflection on the Gospel for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time points out that Jesus’ message in Matthew 18:21-35 explains a line from the “Our Father” prayer he had taught earlier (Matthew 6:12): “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” The strongest word here is “AS” – the same as, just like, in equal measure. If there is anyone we have not forgiven, if there is anyone we cannot pray for with love, we’d better keep our mouths shut during this part of the prayer to our Father, who is the Father of all.
Sometimes, it’s difficult to forgive because we think “forgiving” means “forgetting”. Jesus never said that we must forget what the debtor owes. Forgiveness means remembering – and learning from the memory – without demanding repayment or retribution.
When we free others from the debts they owe us for hurting us (whether they seek it or not, whether they’re still alive or not), we free ourselves and our healing begins – our healing!
Ideas for use: Bulletin insert for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Small Christian Communities, RCIA, etc.
Not a parish? Individuals can subscribe free to our daily Good News Reflections.