Forgive As We Are Forgiven

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

13 September 2026

 

First Reading: Sirach 27:30–28:7

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

Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

 

Reflection

By: John Paulo Gonzales

 

[WARNING: Contains mention of violence only for the purpose of discourse]

Today is posed another challenge in the Gospel: How do we forgive? It is important that we are reminded of how essential it is to forgive so we are strengthened in our understanding of why we must do it in perpetuity—seventy-seven times, even (Matthew 18:21-22). The importance of forgiveness is stated in the Bible: God’s forgiveness affords us His eternal redemption in Heaven through the shedding of Christ’s Blood (Acts 2:38). On earth, we are forgiven, ourselves, if we forgive our brothers and sisters (Matthew 6:14-15).

So important is forgiveness that God says: if we have any grievance against our brothers and sisters, we must resolve it first before leaving our offering at the altar (Matthew 5:23-24; Mark 11:25). Indeed, it is expressly significant to forgive not that it precedes adoration (as if to establish eminence), but that it personifies our adoration to the Father. That is, as we worship God in prayer, so should we exercise forgiveness in our relationship with our brothers and sisters.

Many accounts give us demonstrations of how it is to forgive: Joseph forgave the brothers who had him almost killed but opted instead to sell him into slavery (Genesis 50:15-21), giving rise to one of the passages we behold today: “What [others] intended for evil, God meant [it] for good” (Genesis 50:20). St. Maria Goretti, a budding adolescent then, was locked into by the eyes of a tormentor whose heated passion subjected her to carnal assault. She died about 24 hours after the attack. 30 years after the perpetrator was put behind bars, one night, Goretti appeared in a dream where she gathered flowers and offered them to him. After the perpetrator’s release, he begged for the forgiveness of Goretti’s mother, and he was seen kneeling among a sea of people, crying tears of joy at Goretti’s beatification in 1947 (Fraciscan Media, n.d.). St. Maria Goretti’s forgiveness paved the way not only for the emancipation of her perpetrator, but also for his radical conversion, with the perpetrator—Alessandro Serenelli—soon becoming a Capuchin brother.

St. John Paul II is another exemplary model of forgiveness. In 1981, amid a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the former pontiff was shot twice in an assassination attempt. After two years of recovery from sustained wounds, St. John Paul II visited his assailant, talked with him to foster conversation and express his forgiveness, and rallied the faithful to forgive and pray for him as well. More than a decade into the assassin’s incarceration, the former pope appealed to the president of Italy for pardon, leading to the gunman’s release in 2000—symbolically—in a Year of Jubilee (Tornielli, 2021; Szalajko, 2026).

Forgiveness does not always announce itself from the mountaintops. Sometimes, it exists in the stillness of a whisper. St. Thérèse of Lisieux provides a notable example of how to administer forgiveness towards those who, day-to-day, give us a hard time. In her convent life, St. Thérèse suffered reproach from her elders, to which she responded with grace, silent acceptance, and forgiveness, considering such slights as “simple barriers [she needs] to endure [...] to share in God’s holiness” (Melbourne Catholic, 2020).

Amid our many stellar examples of forgiveness, there is One we know from the Bible Who “demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, [He] died for us” (Romans 5:8). This is Jesus—the Christ Who petitioned the Father in ultimate forgiveness: “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

While we are in the world, there are many things that can move us; some affecting us so deeply as to stir within us a significant disquiet. There are transgressions that can pierce us so greatly that we struggle to move forward, live in good spirits, let alone forgive perfectly; but the virtue of forgiveness is presented nevertheless, in a measure we can carry out by the strength of God than our own, so we have a means through which we not only absolve others, but also liberate ourselves. Lofty a standard it is to forgive, but it is never a door we cannot walk through, by the grace of God which makes the impossible possible. In our predicaments, we have a “High Priest who is [able] to empathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15); One in Whom we can confide our pains; the “Friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

If it is us, in turn, who need forgiveness, the grace of God is replete in the sacraments: Penance and Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist—with the Penitential Act preceding standard liturgical celebrations; and the Church—the Community we are likewise encouraged to convene with when confessing our sins so we can share our struggles, pray for them, and obtain healing together (James 5:16).

Prayer

God, thank You for Your Presence and for reminding us how important it is to forgive, especially that in such a way, we, ourselves, be forgiven. Please help us forgive the faults we have yet to pardon, to be patient with our own errors, to courageously ask forgiveness for the mistakes we commit, and to help create a space in Church where it is healthy to confess our failings and hardships with each other in trust, faith, and love, as You intend.

We also continue to pray for those who suffer the effects of devastating weather conditions, political conflicts, violence, eternal peace for the deceased faithful from the clergy to the lay community, and for spiritual vocations.

These, we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.

Why Cause Grief?

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Feb 16
First reading Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21

If you wish, you can keep the commandments,

  to behave faithfully is within your power.

He has set fire and water before you;

  put out your hand to whichever you prefer.

Man has life and death before him;

  whichever a man likes better will be given him.

For vast is the wisdom of the Lord;

  he is almighty and all-seeing.

His eyes are on those who fear him,

  he notes every action of man.

He never commanded anyone to be godless,

  he has given no one permission to sin.

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 118:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34
Second reading                                                        1 Corinthians 2:6-10

We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age, it is true, still less of the masters of our age, which are coming to their end. The hidden wisdom of God which we teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him.

  These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 5:17-37

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.

  ‘For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

  ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court; if a man calls his brother “Fool” he will answer for it before the Sanhedrin; and if a man calls him “Renegade” he will answer for it in hell fire. So then, if you are bringing your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go and be reconciled with your brother first, and then come back and present your offering. Come to terms with your opponent in good time while you are still on the way to the court with him, or he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I tell you solemnly, you will not get out till you have paid the last penny.

  ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body thrown into hell. And if your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell.

  ‘It has also been said: Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a writ of dismissal. But I say this to you: everyone who divorces his wife, except for the case of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

  ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all, either by heaven, since that is God’s throne; or by the earth, since that is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, since that is the city of the great king. Do not swear by your own head either, since you cannot turn a single hair white or black. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

Reflection by Rosalinda Markell

The relationship between spiritual leaders and followers can sometimes become troubled. Jesus was very aware of this reality which is why in today's Gospel, He challenged His followers to cultivate a virtue deeper than that of the Pharisees and scribes.  It is unfortunate that these Jewish spiritual leaders did not live up to God's and men's expectation of them.  Jesus was quite blunt to call them hypocrites and blind guides. In another chapter of St Matthew's Gospel, He told people to do what these leaders teach them to do, but not what they do (Mt 23:3). 

Until now, we could still hear or even witness scandals caused by spiritual leaders.  Some of us lose heart that we generalize all spiritual leaders to be bad. Maintaining a cooperative spirit is necessary in order to benefit from those who provide spiritual direction to us. Our first response should be prayerful submission: "obey those who rule over you, and be submissive" (Heb 13-17).  For both leaders and followers, an attitude of mutual submission should prevail: "We are to (submit) to one another in fear of God."  (Eph 5:21). Lest leaders abuse such obedience, Jesus emphasized a heart of servant leadership to those who provide us with direction; "most assured by, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor he who is sent greater than He who sent him." (Jn 13:16). 

Let's ask the Holy Spirit to grant healing to those of us who have been hurt by our leaders' impropriety. Let's also pray for a change of heart to those who have caused grief to their flock.

Prayer

Our gracious Father, thank You for the people You have called to lead our Church. Protect them from errors in both words and actions so that they may lead Your people to the truth. May we provide them encouragement and support. Bless too our government, the leaders of our country, that they may be trustworthy instruments in bringing good to society, not war, envy, greediness, and most of all evil. Give them wisdom, an insight beyond the scope of partisan interests. Maintain peace and increase righteousness throughout the land now and for always. This we beg of You, Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reverse Self-Righteousness?

First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality. He will not show partiality in the case of a poor man; and he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged. He will not ignore the supplication of the fatherless, nor the widow when she pours out her story. He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds. The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord; he will not desist until the Most High visits him, and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment. And the Lord will not delay, neither will he be patient with them, till he crushes the loins of the unmerciful and repays vengeance on the nations; till he takes away the multitude of the insolent, and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;

Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 17-19, 23

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. At my first defense no one took my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection
By Gharri Tulabut

One of the few things that stopped me in the past from accepting and pursuing higher responsibilities in my charismatic community is the thought that my past misdeeds made me unworthy to become a servant of God.

Yes I know that for every saint, there is a past and for every sinner, there is a future as they say. I was also aware that the Church is for the sinners, that doctors are for the sick (primarily).

Still I feared that if people who knew me in the past would see me, let’s say, leading a worship or delivering a talk, they might say “I know this person. How dare he speak and act like that? Don’t we know how sinful this person is?” It’s not even about me. I am more worried that it will have a negative effect to the reputation of my community and, especially, of the Church.

But that was before I got hold of an old issue of Kerygma magazine which had on the second page what seems to be a list of the qualifications of the then leaders of the Light of Jesus community. Their leader was a former porn addict. One of them had many girlfriends despite being married. Another was a former hit man of a fraternity. And the list goes on.

The first thing that came to my mind as I read that page was “Wow, I belong here. Pwede pala!”

So I joined this community and I am glad that they really seek those who are going the wrong way. They accept whatever you are, not judge you but just accept you and make friends with you with the hope that you yourself, with help of God, would realize how to change for the right direction.

So now I am thinking that I might be able to use my (not really very) dark past to be an example for others that there is hope to change. That God loves us no matter what mistakes we had. And that there are people who do not look at our past and are willing to be our friends and to be associated with “sinners” like me.

I really want to make myself as an example for those who are currently spiritually lost. But I still could not do that. Not until I get the proper training or mentoring to do it. Because I am afraid I would become what I would call as a reverse self-righteous person. I might be boasting already of my previous sins to the point that I might be delivering a wrong message.

What if I let people know that I was chain smoker before but now I already quit (just an example). What if they say, “We’ll just follow your way. We’ll just quit later just like you did.”

Or what if I confess that I engaged in sexual immorality in the past (again, just an example). I might send the wrong message that it’s okay to enjoy these worldly things first and just change later.

Until I am confident enough to tell my next of kin about my previous sins, I’ll just keep my mouth shut in public for now. But maybe to help individuals who are already in those situations, with the guidance from the Holy Spirit, I will help by using myself as an example.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving us unconditionally. May we always do the same and not be judgmental  to our brethren no matter what their past mistakes are so that we will lead them to You and not the other way around. Teach us Lord not to be self-righteous when we speak. And may our works glorify You always. Amen!