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Twenty Fourth Sunday Year A
Theme: Forgiveness Liberates, And Heals
The first reading of today focuses on forgiveness. First, it reminds us that we must forgive others for our prayers to be answered. Second, it presupposes that we are all sinners needing God’s forgiveness. So, to be forgiven, we must first forgive others. Therefore, Sirac urges us: “Forgive your neighbor the hurt he does to you, and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven.” This is a call to liberate others to liberate and heal ourselves. Therefore, is there anyone in my life that I need to forgive?
In the second reading, Paul reminds us of something fundamental. “The life and death of each of us influence the other.” Also, our ability to forgive has a significant influence on others as well as on ourselves. Hence, it is important to note that forgiveness has a double effect. It is a single-dose medicine that cures one or many persons simultaneously. It liberates the one who is forgiven and heals the one who forgives.
In the gospel, Christ takes forgiveness to a different and practical level. This unfolds in the dialogue between Peter and Christ. Peter asked a theoretical question: “How many times must I forgive my brother?” Jesus answered him most practically: “seventy-seven times.” Christ’s response reminds us that Christian forgiveness does not have limits. We must forgive all, always and forever.
St John Paul II once said, “Real peace is not just a matter of structures and mechanisms,” wrote Pope John Paul II. “It rests above all on the adoption of a style of human coexistence marked by mutual acceptance and a capacity to forgive from the heart. We all need to be forgiven by others, so we must all be ready to forgive. Asking and granting forgiveness is something profoundly worthy of every one of us.”
Brothers and sisters, he who forgives acts like Christ. So, as we pray today at this Eucharistic celebration: “Forgive us our offenses, as we forgive those who offend us,” let us ask God to help us to be true to these words by living them practical.
Rev. Barnabas F. Shayo, A.J., Pastor-All Saints Parish
This past Sunday at All Saints in Mc Adoo and Our Lady of Lourdes in Weatherly, Father Barnabas had a special Mass which included Blessing of the Backpacks. Since it was the beginning of the school year and the First Sunday Social Hour, our Host, George Donadi and Friends added to the day’s excitement with a delicious assortment of Children’s favorites to enjoy during this time of fellowship during the Sunday 10:30 am Mass in Weatherly. Children, parents, our parish family and visitors alike enjoyed pasta, meatballs, macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, a tossed salad plus an assortment of desserts, especially the chocolate chip cookies! This well attended event was certainly enjoyed by everyone. In addition, each child present also went home with a special gift. A heartfelt thank you to George and his helpers who made this special event a wonderful morning for everyone.
Why do Catholics make sign of the cross?
Catholics make the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of prayers, during Mass, and at various points in their daily lives as a way to invoke the Holy Trinity and express their faith. It is also used during significant moments such as baptisms and blessings.
Why we genuflect at Mass. What does it mean and when should we do it?
According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, “A genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the Holy Cross from the solemn adoration during the liturgical celebration on Good Friday until the beginning of the Easter Vigil” (274).
Why Mass Begins with the sign of the Cross?
Mass begins with the Sign of the Cross because the entire rite takes place within the space of the Most Holy Trinity.
What is the liturgical kiss?
The Liturgical Kiss is when the bishop or priest and deacon kiss the altar at the beginning of Mass because it symbolizes Jesus himself. The same with the text of the Gospel: After the priest or, if present, the deacon reads the Gospel, he kisses the text. Kisses show up at other times: during Good Friday services, for example, when the faithful process forward to kiss the feet of Jesus on the crucifix.
Why Catholics sit and stand during readings?
Standing has been a common posture for prayer since the early Christians. It’s a sign of respect, and can also be a wordless symbol for the Resurrection. Catholics may sit while the two readings from the Old Testament and from the New Testament Epistles are read; but we always stand for a reading of the Gospel, in which are found the words of Christ himself.
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