6 September 2020

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

The foundation upon which today’s Gospel is built is a truth I easily and often give lip-service to, but do not put into practice. Namely, each person I encounter is a brother or sister, however wooden; however unfriendly, however displeasing.

Then, there’s the sinner. He should never be one I condemn, avoid, even after I have repudiated his sin. He is to be saved. This is how Jesus acted toward those he encountered.

But to pardon means I have to take the initiative. No excuses.  And if this is what I must do individually, so I do it within the group of my Christian community.

I live today in world where there is bitterness and anger. In order to keep my vision focused, I must join my parish community more often at mass; pray more for our alienated brothers and sisters.

If sin separates, prayer and the Eucharist unite because they bring me individually and as a member of a community closes to God. And mothers are most effective in reducing strains within the family. So, today I shall also say special prayers to Mary: “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”