Catholic Caucus: Sunday Mass Readings, 09-11-11, Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

USCCB.org/New American Bible ^ | 09-11-11 | New American Bible

[Salvation]

September 11, 2011

 

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Reading 1 Sir 27:30-28:7

Wrath and anger are hateful things,
yet the sinner hugs them tight.
The vengeful will suffer the LORD's vengeance,
for he remembers their sins in detail.
Forgive your neighbor's injustice;
then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.
Could anyone nourish anger against another
and expect healing from the LORD?
Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself,
can he seek pardon for his own sins?
If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath,
who will forgive his sins?
Remember your last days, set enmity aside;
remember death and decay, and cease from sin!
Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor;
remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

R. (8) The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.
He pardons all your iniquities,
heals all your ills.
redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.
He will not always chide,
nor does he keep his wrath forever.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he put our transgressions from us.
R. The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Reading 2 Rom 14:7-9

Brothers and sisters:
None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.
For if we live, we live for the Lord,
and if we die, we die for the Lord;
so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
For this is why Christ died and came to life,
that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Gospel Mt 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him,
"Lord, if my brother sins against me,
how often must I forgive?
As many as seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.
That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who decided to settle accounts with his servants.
When he began the accounting,
a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.
Since he had no way of paying it back,
his master ordered him to be sold,
along with his wife, his children, and all his property,
in payment of the debt.
At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said,
'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.'
Moved with compassion the master of that servant
let him go and forgave him the loan.
When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants
who owed him a much smaller amount.
He seized him and started to choke him, demanding,
'Pay back what you owe.'
Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him,
'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
But he refused.
Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison
until he paid back the debt.
Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened,
they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master
and reported the whole affair.
His master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant!
I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.
Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant,
as I had pity on you?'
Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers
until he should pay back the whole debt.
So will my heavenly Father do to you,
unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart."

[Salvation]

Pope Benedict's Prayer at Ground Zero -- 2008

VISIT TO GROUND ZERO
PRAYER OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
Ground Zero, New York
Sunday, April 20, 2008
In commemmoration of September 11, 2001

O God of love, compassion, and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions,
who gather today at this site,
the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness
to give eternal light and peace
to all who died here—
the heroic first-responders:
our fire fighters, police officers,
emergency service workers, and Port Authority personnel,
along with all the innocent men and women
who were victims of this tragedy
simply because their work or service
brought them here on September 11, 2001.

We ask you, in your compassion
To bring healing to those
Who, because of their presence here that day,
Suffer from injuries and illness.
Heal, too, the pain of still-grieving families
And all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Give them strength to continue their lives with courage and hope.
We are mindful as well
Of those who suffered death, injury, and loss
On the same day at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Our hearts are one with theirs
As our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.
God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world:
Peace in the hearts of all men and women
And peace among the nations of the earth.
Turn to your way of love
Those whose hearts and minds
Are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,
Overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
We seek your light and guidance
As we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
May live so that the lives lost here
May not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
Strengthen us in hope,
And give us the wisdom and courage
To work tirelessly for a world
Where true peace and love reign
Among nations and in the hearts of all.
Amen.

[Salvation]

A Time for Remembrance, Resolve and Renewal: Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11, Archbishop Timothy Dolan President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, September 8, 2011

A Time for Remembrance, Resolve and Renewal: Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11

Archbishop Timothy Dolan President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
September 8, 2011

As we commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon, it is a time for remembrance, resolve and renewal.

We reverently recall those who were most directly affected by this tragedy—those who died, were injured or lost loved ones.In a special way we recall the selfless first responders—firefighters, police, chaplains, emergency workers, and other brave persons—who risked, and many times lost, their lives in their courageous efforts to save others.

We also remember how our nation responded to the terrifying events of that day—we turned to prayer, and then turned to one another to offer help and support.Hands were folded in prayer and opened in service to those who had lost so much.

We resolve today and always to reject hatred and resist terrorism.The greatest resource we have in these struggles is faith.Ten years ago our Conference of Bishops issued a Pastoral Message, Living with Faith and Hope after September 11, which drew on the rich resources of our Catholic faith to minister to our nation and world.The truth of that Pastoral Message still resonates today.

A decade later we remain resolved to reject extreme ideologies that perversely misuse religion to justify indefensible attacks on innocent civilians, to embrace persons of all religions, including our Muslim neighbors, and to welcome refugees seeking safety.We steadfastly refrain from blaming the many for the actions of a few and insist that security needs can be reconciled with our immigrant heritage without compromising either one.Gratefully mindful of the continuing sacrifices of the men and women in our armed forces, and their families, we also resolve to bring a responsible end to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This tenth anniversary of 9/11 can be a time of renewal.Ten years ago we came together across religious, political, social and ethnic lines to stand as one people to heal wounds and defend against terrorism.As we face today's challenges of people out of work, families struggling, and the continuing dangers of wars and terrorism, let us summon the 9/11 spirit of unity to confront our challenges.Let us pray that the lasting legacy of 9/11 is not fear, but rather hope for a world renewed.

In remembering the fateful events of September 11, 2001, may we resolve to put aside our differences and join together in the task of renewing our nation and world.Let us make our own the prayer of Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Ground Zero in New York in 2008:

O God of love, compassion, and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions,
who gather today at this site,
the scene of incredible violence and pain….

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost here
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
strengthen us in hope,
and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

[Salvation]

Catholic

Almanac:

Sunday, September 11
Liturgical Color: Green
The first recorded case of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament began on this day in 1226 in Avignon. Requested by Louis VII for his people in thanksgiving for a victory over the Albigensians, it continued uninterrupted for over 560 years.

[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

Daily Readings for: September 11, 2011
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: Almighty God, our creator and guide, may we serve you with all our heart and know your forgiveness in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

RECIPES

• Late Summer into Fall Sample Menu

PRAYERS

• Blessing of Students and Teachers 

  11th

  Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time Old Calendar: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart (Mt 18:32-35).”

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

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Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of Sirach 27:30, 28:7. In the verses read today, Sirach tells us that we must forgive our neighbor if we want God to forgive us our own sins. We must be merciful if we hope to obtain mercy from God. We must not seek revenge on a neighbor lest God should take vengeance on us. If we remember our end in life we will keep God's commandments and we will not be angry with a neighbor who offends us.

The second reading is from the St. Paul to the Romans 14:7-9. In these three verses St. Paul emphasizes the fact that through our baptism we have been made members of Christ's mystical body, we have become brothers of Christ, intimately united with him in his death and resurrection. Whether living or dead we belong to Christ. It was for this purpose, to unite all men closely to himself not only in this life but especially in the next, that Christ became man and "dwelt among us."

The Gospel is from St. Matthew 18:21-35. On reading or hearing this story of the merciless servant, each one of us would rightly judge him a mean, low type of man, a heartless man, who puts himself outside the pale of mercy. He throttled his fellow-servant for a paltry debt of ten dollars, and would not listen to the poor man's plea for mercy. When we hear what the king did to this heartless servant we heartily approve and say: "It served him right, he got what he richly deserved."

We had better stop and think for a moment today and reflect that we ourselves may be that merciless servant described in the parable. Every time we have sinned mortally we have incurred an unpayable debt to God. Each time we have received absolution we have come out of God's courtroom as free men. A weight greater than a million dollar debt has been lifted from our shoulders. A fate worse than generations of earthly imprisonment — that is, eternal slavery — has been spared us because of God's loving, infinite mercy. How then can it happen that we could be so heartless, mean, and foolish as to refuse to forgive a neighbor for some offense he has committed against us?

Yet it happens, and it may be that there are some among us here today who continue to have enmity in their hearts against neighbors who offended them. In their hard-heartedness they cannot get themselves to forgive and forget. Are these not following in the footsteps of the merciless servant? Will they not receive the punishment of the merciless servant — a punishment richly deserved? This will be the fate of all unforgiving Christians; they will meet an unforgiving God when they are called to settle their accounts.

That day has not yet come for us. We still have time to put our affairs in order. We still can forgive all our enemies from our heart. If we do not, we are cutting ourselves off from the possibility of having our own sins and offenses forgiven by God. We have the solemn word of our divine Lord for this in the lesson he draws from the parable "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you (that is, deliver us up to eternal slavery) if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

[Salvation]

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 18:21-35

“Not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22)

It’s been ten years since two jetliners crashed into the Twin Towers in Manhattan, but Paul Fox can still see the flames and, in them, the faces of deceased friends and colleagues. At work on the fiftieth floor of the South Tower when the World Trade Center was hit, Fox emerged unharmed, yet hardly untouched. Seeing so many people killed and knowing he was Osama bin Laden’s target, too, changes you, he said in a recent interview with a Seattle, Washington, television station.

Even so, Fox recoiled at news videos of people wildly celebrating bin Laden’s death in May. “As a Christian, that kind of rejoicing at any person’s death doesn’t feel right.” Still, he struggles with forgiveness. “I’m having to search my soul about that. I’m not there yet,” he admits. (For a link to the interview, click here.)

Even when the offense is infinitely tiny compared to a terrorist attack, how hard it is to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Considering how the world has grown more divided and less forgiving over the past ten years, this call has become especially challenging.

Is it really possible to forgive one another “from the heart,” as Jesus urges us to do (Matthew 18:35)? Not on our own strength alone! But we know Christ, and through his Holy Spirit, we have all we need to become ambassadors for forgiveness and unity. Though we may not consider ourselves very important or influential, our witness counts! Just think: If everyone reading this meditation today chose to become an agent of mercy, we just might change the world.

“ ‘It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession’ (Catechism, 2843). Holy Spirit, give me such a heart!”

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Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion

(Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103:1-4,9-12; Romans 14:7-9; Matthew 18:21-35)

1. The theme of the Scripture readings could not be clearer: mercy and forgiveness. In the first reading we are warned against nourishing anger against others. How much of your day would you estimate is spent remembering and reliving conversations and/or circumstances when you were hurt or angered by another person? What steps can you take to let go of them?

2. In the same vein, why do you believe the first reading encourages us to remember our “last days” when it comes to holding on to unforgiveness, anger, and vengeance? How can you use this injunction during the day to check the amount of unforgiveness in your life?

3. The responsorial psalm speaks of the Lord’s healing and pardoning. Since the Lord has so generously pardoned you, who are the people in your life to whom you can provide healing and pardoning?

4. The second reading reminds us that we do not live or die for ourselves, but for the Lord. How can you make this a greater reality in your life? How do you think this Scripture relates to the need to change our behavior with regard to unforgiveness, anger?

5. Jesus’ parable of the king and wicked servant in the Gospel reading could not be more obvious: we will be forgiven to the same extent we forgive others. We cannot demand justice for everyone else and mercy for ourselves. (“Justice for them Lord, but mercy for me.”) How can knowing this reality impact the way you relate to others?

6. In light of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the meditation challenges us with these words: “Even when the offense is infinitely tiny compared to a terrorist attack, how hard it is to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.” The meditation also challenges us with the following question: “Is it really possible to forgive one another ‘from the heart,’ as Jesus urges us to do (Matthew 18:35)?” How would you answer this question?”

7. The meditation answers the above question this way. “Not on our own strength alone! But we know Christ, and through his Holy Spirit, we have all we need to become ambassadors for forgiveness and unity.” Are you willing to give up the obstacles in your life (e.g., unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment) that keep you from being “an ambassadors for forgiveness and unity”? If so, what do you think are your first steps to doing this?

8. Take some time now to pray that the Lord would give you the grace to forgive “from the heart” those who have hurt you or offended you. As the prayer at the end of the meditation suggests, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you such a heart.

[Salvation]

A Christian Pilgrim

NOT SEVEN TIMES, BUT SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN   

(A biblical reflection on the 24^th ORDINARY SUNDAY, 11 September 2011) 

Gospel Reading: Mt 18:21-35 

First Reading: Sir 27:30-28:9; Psalms: Ps 103:1-4,9-12; Second Reading: Rom 14:7-9 

The Scripture Text

Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, “ I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same  servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servants fell down and besought him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debat because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Mt 18:21-35 RSV) 

Have you spent time lately thinking about how merciful God is? In one way or another we all have disobeyed and grieved Him, and our offenses, in all justice, do deserve punishment. But how has He responded? He sent His only Son to die for us. God offered us mercy, not judgment, asking only for heartfelt repentance and faith in Him. 

The mercy of God comes to us through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Jesus gave His life for us so that we can always be assured of forgiveness. When God looks on us and sees the blood of Jesus covering us, He responds with mercy. However offended He might be, however much our sin might be a reason for anger and judgment, God’s heart always softens when He sees a child of His washed in Jesus’ blood. 

That is when His judgment yields to mercy, condemnation defers to forgiveness. His mercy is for those who entreat it, who in their hearts deplore their current state and earnestly seek to turn from it. 

Have you experienced the mercy of God? You know you have if you feel compelled to think and act with mercy to those around you (Mt 18:21-35). You have been rescued from death – undeservedly. How can you do anything but show that same mercy to those who sin against you? Just as our repentance ushers in thekingdomofGodfor us, so too does our mercy bring the grace of that kingdom into the world (Mt 3:2; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:16-17). 

God loves you! He purchased you for Himself at an extravagant price; He traded the life of His only Son for yours. The more fully you come to understand what it cost God to secure your forgiveness, the more firmly you will hold onto the hope of your salvation. Never take it lightly. May it always be a source of joy and comfort for you. 

Short Prayer:  Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the price Jesus paid for me. Soften my heart so that I might take hold of the life that follows true repentance. Empower me to show mercy to those around me. Amen. 

[Salvation]

 

Marriage = One Man and One Woman

Daily Marriage Tip for September 11, 2011:

We shouldn’t need a terrorist attack to prompt us to voice our love to others and make amends to those we have hurt. Does your beloved need to hear words of love or apology from you? Do it today. We have no guarantee of tomorrow.

[Salvation]

Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

September 11, 2011

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer  

First Reading: Sirach 27:30-28:7

Psalm: 103:1-4,9-12

Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

• Last week’s Gospel was concerned with how to deal with those who persist in unrepentant sin or error (verses 15-20). Referring to the case where an offending party is repentant (see Luke 17:3-4) and asks forgiveness, Peter asks how often one should forgive them (verse 21). He suggests seven times - a generous amount compared to the general wisdom that a sin need not be forgiven after a third or fourth time.

• Jesus answers not just seven - but seventy-seven times (some translations render this “seventy times seven”, that is, 490 times!). Jesus is making the point that forgiveness to the repentant should be unlimited. This can be seen as a contrast to the evil Lamach’s boast to enact unlimited vengeance upon those who crossed him (Genesis 4:24).

• Jesus’ parable about the unforgiving servant likewise deals in unlimited forgiveness of an astronomical debt. What the New American Bible renders “a huge amount” is literally “10,000 talents”. A talent was worth about 6000 denarii (a denarius was a days wage for a laborer). Thus the entire debt was 191,000 days wages—an impossible amount to repay!

• Forgiven his debt by his compassionate master, this servant then goes on to refuse a fellow servant “a much smaller amount” (or, 100 denarii).

• Jesus compares the reaction of the unmerciful servant’s master to how God will deal with those who not “forgive his brother from his heart” (see Matthew 6:14-15).

 

QUESTIONS:

• In the 1^st Reading, what does the Sacred Writer say are some of the consequences of seeking vengeance and not forgiving others?

• What does the 2^nd Reading tell us about the consequences of our earthly actions in eternity?

• What does Jesus’ answer to Peter say about forgiveness in the kingdom?

• How does the parable of the unmerciful servant extend Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness (verses 23-35)? In refusing to be forgiving to others, what do we deny ourselves (verses 31-24)?

• Based on this parable, is God’s forgiveness of us limited or unlimited? Conditional or unconditional? What are the limits of your own willingness to forgive others? Do you forgive readily? If you find it difficult to forgive, what can you do about it?

• How can we forgive others while not encouraging irresponsibility? As part of forgiving someone, are you obliged to allow that person to victimize you?

• How can you forgive someone from the past who hurt you deeply?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 982, 2842 - 2845

 

Force yourself, if necessary, to always forgive those who offend you from the very first moment. For the greatest injury or offense that you can suffer from them is nothing compared to what God has pardoned you.

–St. Josemaria Escriva

[Salvation]

 

24th Sunday -- Supepr-human forgiveness

 

The return of the Prodigal - Tissot

The Word for Sunday: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/091111.cfm

Sirach 27:30-28:7
Rm 14: 7-9
Mt 18: 21-35

When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it . . . You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well. (C.S. Lewis – The Joyful Christian).

This quote from the writings of the famed Christian apologist C.S. Lewis is one of my favorites. It clearly defines the reality of evil but also supports the power of forgiveness as a source of true reconciliation between people. We all know that evil exists in the world – that is an undeniable fact. How we respond to the evil around us, what we do with the every day hurts that come our way, the weaknesses we all experience will make a difference in the quality of our forgiveness. But, forgive we must for to do otherwise is to live a life that is wraped up in self. A life that brings no peace and only continues to fester in our dark hearts turning over time to more than mere hurt feelings.

On this tenth anniversary of the great evil committed upon the citizens of New York City and this Nation, the readings this Sunday are particularly challenging. It’s clear that Sirach in the first reading supports the necessity of forgiveness, “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight . . . forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven . . .” In short, the choice is ours whether to extend reconciliation or not. Whether to, “. . . recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well” as C.S. Lewis reminds us.

The Gospel conversation Jesus has with Peter is a classic and well known quote: “. . . how often must I fogive? As many as seven times? Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times . . .” Then Our Lord goes on to tell a rather harsh parable about a king and his servants to illustrate the importance of retroactive justice and restitution.

In light of all this, C.S. Lewis’ statement about not excusing evil, calling it what it is but forgiving anyway by the extension of well wishes to your neighbor, may move us to question just how realistic is this concept of unlimited forgiveness. Jesus extends Peter’s generous inquiry about seven, “I forgive you’s,” to imply that we must be like God who always forgives those who seek it.

A number of years ago, I remember a conversation in which the other person posed the hypothetical question, “Could Hitler be in heaven?” Just the very thought of it sends chills down our spine, at least it does in mine, and we want to cry out, “NO!”

Could Sadam Hussein or Osama bin Ladan be there as well? What about those who perpetrated the great evil we remember this Sunday? What about the uncle or father or mother who abused their son, daughter or nephew? The child molester who knowingly robbed innocence of innocence? The seriel murderer? The doctor who knowingly kills a child through abortion or cooperates with a terminal patient seeking assisted suicide? The drug dealer or the pimp? Such blatant evil behavior cries out for justice not reward.

Maybe the key word is not “are they” but rather “could they be?” Such extreme examples may help us to understand that if we believe in a God who is all knowing, all loving, all truth, mercy, forgiveness and justice, then we must say they “could” be but whether they are or not is a matter only God knows. Chances are, they are not.

Forgiveness is extended to those who seek it. One grave sin does not turn me into a killer or liar. Many of such repeated sins would make me a murder or a liar. If our behavior is consistently oriented towards deliberate evil actions, then we become evil people who likely are so dark that the thought of reconcilation would be no where on our personal radar. As Psalm 95 states, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Personal accountability is essential as well to receive forgiveness.

However, to those who take responsibility for their actions, injustice can only be repaired by justice. The death penalty is a very controversial question these days. But the injustice of murder is not made just by another killing. The only way that injustice can be reparied would be to restore the murder victim to life – that is not possible.

True forgiveness, both Sirach and Jesus seem to imply, is offered to us if we are a forgiving people, “. . . remember your last days, set enmity aside . . .” It is extended to those who imitate divine forgiveness extended to those who freely choose, of their own will, to seek true reconciliation.

I’ll offer a bit more on this but for now, let’s prepare for this Sunday by reflecting upon where we are towards our neighbor and even ourselves. Is there some sin, some issue in your life that you feel is unforgiveable? Could God forgive you? What can I do to repair damage I have caused through my anger, harsh words, selfish action? Can we extend forgiveness to someone who is not asking for it? Should we? . . .

 

Fr. Tim

[Salvation]

Insight Scoop

9/11: Remembrance, Forgiveness, and Faith

Here is the opening of my "Opening the Word" column in today's edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper:

“To err is human,” wrote Alexander Pope, “to forgive, divine.” Alas, modern readers sometimes assume that “err” refers to an innocent mistake or laughable foible. But to err (from the Latin, errare) means to depart from moral truth, to spurn right action. Pope was making reference to this statement by St. Augustine: “To err is human, but to persist in error out of pride is diabolical.”

This same truth is presented in today’s reading from Sirach: “Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight.” The text contrasts vengeance with forgiveness. It makes clear all men are sinners; the questions that follow are vital for everyone: Will I forgive those who have committed injustices against me? Will I seek pardon for my sins, knowing life is short and God is a just judge?

It is always challenging to hear this passage, but it is especially difficult to contemplate, I think, on the 10th anniversary of the violent attacks we now simply call 9/11. What took place that day was diabolical, even while the brave and selfless response of so many to the pain and death around them was dramatic and inspiring. The questions raised by such violence are painful and trying. How, in the face of such evil and destruction, can we forgive those who trespass against us, and who wish to destroy us? 

We can see why Pope would write that forgiveness is divine, for man’s natural inclination is toward revenge and hatred. We might feel the same desire for retaliation when we are victims of a lie, treated unjustly, mocked for stating the truth or “crucified” for our beliefs. Of course, Jesus Christ was the victim of lies, was treated unjustly, was mocked for being the Truth and was crucified — literally. And yet the Savior cried out, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34).

Read the entire column at OSV.com (subscription required).

Monsignor Charles Pope has an excellent homily/post on forgiveness and mercy.

Kathryn Jean Lopez has a good essay on Headline Bistro about 9/11 and faith:

God has the last word.

Of all the reflections made on and lessons taken from the September 11th attacks on the United States ten years ago, would it be presumptuous for me to suggest that this is the most important?

We won’t ever fully make sense or have peace about what happened.  It was evil, what was done to those innocent Americans – to the men and women whose barbecued remains lingered in the Manhattan metropolitan air for days afterward, including in National Review’s offices where I was that day, uncomfortably close to the site of the attacks.

But you didn’t have to smell what I did or see the people hanging “Missing” signs on every available lamppost and wall where their loved ones might be recognized – what for many would only prove to be an early memorial to someone murdered that day. That coming together in the hours, days and weeks afterward had something to do with the shock of confrontation with evil that everyone within reach of that day’s images felt. Some say we all changed that day.

But did we?

Prolific journalist Russell Shaw has an excellent article in Our Sunday Visitor newspaper about several different aspects of 9/11: "Sept 10, 2011: Ten Years Later, We Remember".

Peter Leithart, on FirstThings.com, argues, "The message of 9/11 was always this: The gods are still back, and they are here to stay." Meanwhile, Michael Novak, on NRO, contends, "Ten years after Sept. 11, 2001, the world has a different face, a wholly new (well, fairly ancient) set of problems, and above all, a new promise."

Five years ago, Fr. James V. Schall, S.J., wrote an excellent essay for Ignatius Insight, titled, "9/11 Revisited"; it is still a good and timely read. An snippet:

I argued from the very beginning that the attacks had already begun in the previous two decades with various bombings of ships, embassies, and aircraft in other places throughout the world, and that the driving motivation behind them was not secular, nor political, but religious. What was going on came from a theological understanding of Muslim purpose in the world. Even those Muslims, however few or many they be, who did not think that such means were the wisest ones to use, none the less, understood the legitimacy of the purpose behind them.

I further argued that, by not acknowledging this motivation, we, in a sense, did not do justice to what was going on; we did not, that is, do justice to the men who conceived and carried out the destructive plan. We thus wandered off into fields of explanation that were elaborate, sophisticated, "scientific," and often self-serving, but which did not correspond to what we were seeing, to what these men said of themselves. Basically, it seemed to me that by calling this a war on "terrorism" a war against "fanatics" or "madmen," we, in a real way, demeaned both our enemies and ourselves. We did not want to look in the eye of the real storm.

The USCCB has posted a piece, "A Time for Remembrance, Resolve and Renewal: Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11", authored by Archbishop Timothy Dolan President; it concludes:

This tenth anniversary of 9/11 can be a time of renewal.Ten years ago we came together across religious, political, social and ethnic lines to stand as one people to heal wounds and defend against terrorism.As we face today's challenges of people out of work, families struggling, and the continuing dangers of wars and terrorism, let us summon the 9/11 spirit of unity to confront our challenges.Let us pray that the lasting legacy of 9/11 is not fear, but rather hope for a world renewed.

In remembering the fateful events of September 11, 2001, may we resolve to put aside our differences and join together in the task of renewing our nation and world.Let us make our own the prayer of Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Ground Zero in New York in 2008:

O God of love, compassion, and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths and traditions,
who gather today at this site,
the scene of incredible violence and pain….

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost here
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us,
strengthen us in hope,
and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

Amen.

There are many, many articles and essays about 9/11, and I'll probably add links on this post to more of them in the next day or so

[Salvation]

Regnum Christi

Unlimited Forgiveness

INTERNATIONAL | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 11, 2011)

September 11, 2011
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Father David Daly, LC

Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. “ For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ´Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.´ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ´Pay what you owe.´ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ´Have patience with me, and I will pay you.´ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ´You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?´ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe that you came into this world to redeem sinners. I hope in you, and in your power to transform my soul, by your grace, from sinfulness to holiness. Lord, I love you and offer you the longings of my heart to put you truly first in my life. I want to love you with all my mind, heart, soul and strength.

Petition: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to forgive my brothers and sisters from the heart.

1. Seventy-seven Times: Jesus surprises Peter with this symbolic response. He surprises us, too, with the depth of his mercy. We, as Peter, think ourselves generous when we forgive our neighbors generously — seven times. But Jesus forgives in an unlimited manner — “seventy-seven” times –– and teaches us to do the same. This parable teaches us about God’s unlimited mercy for each one of us. He calls us to imitate him in this characteristically Christian virtue.

2. Have Patience with Me: The slave who owes the master ten thousand talents represents each one of us before God. We owe everything to God and without his help we are totally unable to make up for our sins. Yet God in his mercy has chosen to forgive us. In receiving God’s patient love, our lives have been changed. We have new life because of Jesus Christ!

3. You Wicked Slave: Despite the great love we have received, sometimes we can be unforgiving toward our neighbors, just like the slave whose debt was pardoned. The forgiven slave becomes a wicked slave the moment he does not “forgive as he has been forgiven.” How easy it is to forget God’s love when we feel the pressure to “produce”! We become like that wicked slave, forgetting God and demanding a purely human justice from those around us — family, friends and business associates.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, your lesson of forgiveness is very clear in this parable. You desire followers who imitate you, who will “love one another as you have loved them.” Teach me this humility and gratitude that will lead me to patiently pardon all of those around me.

Resolution: Lord, today I promise to forgive at least one person who has offended me.

[Salvation]

Homily of the Day

Stop Thinking Like an Accountant

September 10th, 2011 by Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.  

Sir 27:30-28:7 / Rom 14:7-9 / Mt 18:21-35

One of the key things that children learn as they grow up is the value of fairness, the importance of playing by the rules and making sure that each person gets his fair share and nobody gets cheated.  How often on the playground or the classroom or at home, we hear the outraged cry of one of our children saying, “that’s not fair!”

A deep-seated sense of fairness is crucial both to lasting relationships and to a decent society, but it’s not enough.  Nevertheless, too many of us get stuck at the justice and fairness stage, and never move up to the next step.  In confronting one another’s faults, we find ourselves too often thinking more like accountants than friends: “pay what you owe,” we say, as if we ourselves were able to pay all we owe!  But, of course, we cannot.

Every last one of us is dependent upon the Lord and upon our friends  being willing not to address us with an accountant’s ledger in hand, but to look at us with the same understanding that a good parent looks at a child who’s just learning how to do the simplest things.

Jesus is very clear about this: throw away your ledgers and your accountant’s hat, and think like a parent who never gives up loving and hoping for the child.  It’s the only way to live, and a much happier way to live.  And it will get your own heart wide open to receive all the forgiveness and understanding that you need.

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Sunday, September 11, 2011 >>

24th Sunday Ordinary Time Saint of the Day

Sirach 27:30—28:7
Romans 14:7-9
View Readings

Psalm 103:1-4, 9-12
Matthew 18:21-35

THE STREAM OF MERCY

"Moved with pity, the master let the official go and wrote off the debt." —Matthew 18:27

 

All of us reading this should have been condemned to hell forever because of our sins. David committed one sin and 70,000 people were killed (2 Sm 24:15). That's how high the wages of sin are and why everlasting hell is just punishment for our sins.

Because of His love for us, the Lord has been rich in mercy (Eph 2:4). Although we have amassed monumental debts of punishment due to our sins, Jesus' death on Calvary has covered them all. He has forgiven us, washed away our sins in His Blood, paid the price for our sins, taken our punishment on Himself, saved us, and redeemed us.

We owe a fantastic debt of gratitude to Jesus. We can never pay this debt, but should try. We should live no longer for ourselves, but for Him (2 Cor 5:15). We must tell everyone about His love and mercy, and praise Him always. Especially, we should extend forgiveness and mercy to those who have hurt us.

After what Jesus has done for us, He expects us to do this. If we who have been forgiven do not forgive others (Mt 18:35; cf Mt 6:14-15), the Lord will ask us: "Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?" (Mt 18:33) "Should a man refuse mercy to his fellows, yet seek pardon for his own sins?" (Sir 28:4)

 

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me and through me.

Promise: "While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die we die as His servants." —Rm 14:8

Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Whose mercies are inexhaustible. Merciful Lord, Savior, and Judge, be exalted forever. Alleluia!

[Salvation]

 

 

Yes, God will always choose life, 

not abortion!