Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) — September 13, 2026: Forgiveness

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) — September 13, 2026

The readings today press one of the hardest and most necessary demands of the Gospel: forgiveness that is not measured, grudges that must be released, and a life that no longer belongs to ourselves.

Sirach does not soften the language. Wrath and anger are “hateful things,” yet “the sinner hugs them tight.” The one who seeks vengeance will meet the Lord’s own accounting. The remedy is practical and immediate: forgive your neighbor the wrong done to you, and your own sins will be pardoned when you pray. Remember the commandments, remember the covenant, and overlook faults. Holding on to resentment is not strength; it is a form of self-imprisonment.

Psalm 103 answers with the character of God: “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.” He does not treat us as our sins deserve. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us. The mercy we are commanded to show is first the mercy we have already received.

Paul then widens the horizon. “None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself.” Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. Christ died and rose so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Our lives are not private property. They are already claimed.

The Gospel parable makes the point unforgettable. Peter asks the reasonable question: How many times must I forgive? Seven times? Jesus answers with the unlimited number—“seventy-seven times” or “seventy times seven”—and then tells of the servant forgiven an unpayable debt who immediately throttles a fellow servant over a far smaller sum. The king’s judgment is severe: the unforgiving servant is handed over until he pays the last penny. “So will my heavenly Father do to you,” Jesus says, “unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

Two days ago the nation marked another anniversary of September 11. We remember the sudden violence, the lives cut short, the families still carrying absence, and the first responders who ran toward the fire. Grief and the demand for justice are real. The readings do not ask us to pretend evil is not evil or that wounds do not ache. They do insist that clinging to wrath as a possession destroys the one who clings to it. The God who is slow to anger and rich in compassion still calls his people to live and die as those who belong to him, not as those who belong to their wounds.

Tomorrow the Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The bronze serpent lifted in the desert becomes the Son of Man lifted up so that whoever believes may have eternal life. The Cross is not an abstract symbol; it is the place where the unpayable debt was canceled, where mercy was poured out without measure, and where Christ emptied himself even to death. The same Lord who commands seventy-times-seven forgiveness is the one who first forgave from the Cross.

The invitation of this Sunday is therefore both personal and communal. Release the grudges you have been hugging tight. Live as one who already belongs to the Lord in life and in death. Look toward tomorrow’s feast and see in the lifted Cross the source of the mercy we are asked to extend. In a world still marked by violence and loss, the Church is called to be a people who remember the covenant, overlook faults, and forgive from the heart—not because it is easy, but because we have first been forgiven so completely.

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B: A Child Like Jesus

The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time is a moment in the liturgical year that invites the faithful to pause and reflect on the profound teachings of the scriptures. For year B, the readings for this Sunday present a rich tapestry of wisdom, challenge, and encouragement that speak to the heart of Christian discipleship.

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wis 2:12, 17-20) confronts us with the stark reality of the righteous person's life, who is often beset by the wicked. It is a poignant reminder of the suffering that can accompany fidelity to God's law and the courage required to stand firm in the face of adversity. This passage echoes the trials faced by many prophets and ultimately foreshadows the suffering of Christ himself.

The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6, and 8) offers a response to the first reading, providing a prayerful refuge in God's protection. The psalmist's trust in God's saving power serves as a model for our own faith, especially when we face trials or feel surrounded by hostility.

The second reading from the Letter of James (Jas 3:16—4:3) addresses the community's internal conflicts, highlighting the destructive nature of jealousy and selfish ambition. James contrasts this with the "wisdom from above," which is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. This passage challenges believers to cultivate peace within their communities and to seek God's wisdom in all things.

Finally, the Gospel according to Mark (Mk 9:30-37) presents a teaching moment between Jesus and his disciples. As they journey through Galilee, Jesus predicts his passion and resurrection, though his disciples do not understand. The narrative then shifts to a lesson on true greatness, where Jesus places a child among the disciples, symbolizing humility and service as the path to greatness in the Kingdom of God.

Children are important in life. Without them, no species can continue. This is why the Catholic Church has combated abortion and any dangers against children. Granted, some in the Church have failed to protect them against predators, but for the most part, most Catholics are on the right track in regard to defending children. Jesus says if someone receives a child they receive Him. This is a huge statement. Jesus compares a child to Himself. Children are innocent. While they are conceived with Original Sin, they are innocent. They are blank slates.  This is why adults are to blame when children go wayward. They are molded by adults to be adults. So if they behave badly, it is the fault of adults who associate with them directly. 

This is why we have to be innocent like Children.  There is a difference between being a child and being childish or immature acting in a feral way.  Jesus calls us to be humble and accepting like children are. We must also be patient and accepting of all children. Unfortunately, there are some clergy, religious, and lay people who frown upon children at Mass. They complain about the noises of babies and the antics of small children which can be distracting. Kicking them out or embarrassing their families is not the way to go.  In the early Church, we read in the New Testament how they had households. This means children were present.  Crying children at Mass is a sign that the Church is alive and continues to be reborn just like the sound of a crying baby at birth is a sign that there is new life. 

Any Catholic, clergy or not who has an issue with babies or children at Mass needs to get a mental health evaluation and spiritual direction.  I will be blunt on that.  The kids and their families are not the problem if the children are behaving in their natural state. We must do everything to protect children and be careful what we teach them and what they see from us.  Children are not conceived racists, sexists, rapists, killers, thieves and so on. This is learned behavior.  Again, we must be careful with children and what they see and hear from us.  

These readings collectively urge the faithful to reflect on the nature of true wisdom, the call to live righteously, and the importance of humility and service. They remind us that following Christ may lead to challenges and misunderstandings, but ultimately, it is a journey toward eternal life with God.

As we meditate on these scriptures, we are invited to examine our own lives in light of these teachings. Are we willing to stand for righteousness, even when it is difficult? Do we seek the wisdom that comes from God, or are we swayed by worldly ambitions? How do we embody the servant leadership that Jesus exemplifies?

The 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time offers a moment for deep spiritual introspection and renewal. It calls us to embrace the paradoxes of the Christian life: to find strength in vulnerability, wisdom in simplicity, and greatness in serving others. As we continue our liturgical journey, may these readings inspire us to live out our faith with courage, love, and humility.

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Faith Without Works is Dead

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time is a significant day in the liturgical calendar for many Christians, offering a moment to reflect on the profound teachings of faith, sacrifice, and discipleship. The readings for this Sunday are rich with themes that challenge and encourage believers to deepen their understanding of what it means to follow Christ.

The first reading from Isaiah 50:5-9a presents the image of the Suffering Servant, a poignant foreshadowing of Christ's life and mission. It speaks to the willingness to face opposition without shame or fear and confidence in God's support. This passage invites reflection on the nature of true strength and the courage it takes to stand firm in one's convictions, even in the face of adversity.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 116, echoes with gratitude and praise for God's salvation. It is a beautiful reminder of the joy and thankfulness that come from recognizing God's presence and action in our lives. The psalmist's words encourage us to rejoice in God's kindness, as He listens and saves us from death, allowing us to live in His presence.

In the second reading, James 2:14-18 challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through action. It is a powerful call to live out one's faith authentically, showing that true faith is not merely a matter of words but is made manifest in caring deeds. This reading prompts Christians to examine the integrity of their faith and the consistency between what they profess and how they act.  Our Protestant friends erroneously believe that they just need faith to be saved. Some say that one just needs to accept Jesus and that is all. They confess Him to be their Lord and are saved once and for all never being able to lose this salvation.  This is unbiblical and heretical. We respond to God's free grace with faith and put that faith into works. This is the model we are given in the New Testament and which the Church Fathers professed. 

The Gospel of Mark 8:27-35 presents a pivotal moment where Jesus asks His disciples to recognize Him as the Messiah. It is a profound teaching on self-denial and the hardships of following Him, promising life to those who sacrifice for His sake. This passage is central to understanding the cost of discipleship and the paradoxical truth that in losing our life for Christ's sake, we find it.

Reflecting on these readings, believers are invited to consider the depth of their commitment to Christ. The themes of listening to God, enduring suffering, faith and works, confessing Jesus as Messiah, carrying the cross, and losing life to save it, all guide us to deepen our relationship with God and to live out our faith in practical ways.

Living out one's faith is a deeply personal journey, yet there are universal practices that can help anyone looking to deepen their spiritual life. Here are some practical ways to live out your faith:

1. Daily Prayer and Meditation: Set aside time each day for prayer and meditation. This can be a moment of silence, reading scripture, or practicing mindfulness. It's a time to connect with the divine and seek guidance.

2. Acts of Service: Volunteer your time and resources to help those in need. Acts of service are a tangible way to live out the teachings of compassion and kindness.

3. Community Involvement: Participate in your faith community's events, services, and gatherings. Being part of a community supports and strengthens your commitment to your faith.

4. Educational Growth: Continue to learn about your faith. This could involve attending workshops, reading religious texts, or discussing beliefs with others.

5. Practice Forgiveness: Work on forgiving those who have wronged you. Forgiveness is a powerful act that frees you from resentment and aligns you with the forgiving nature of the divine.

6. Share Your Faith: Share the principles of your faith with others, not in a proselytizing manner, but as a natural part of your interactions. Let your life be a testament to your beliefs.

7. Ethical Living: Make choices in your personal and professional life that reflect your moral values. This includes being honest, fair, and responsible.

8. Mindful Consumption: Be aware of how your consumption impacts others and the planet. Make efforts to reduce waste, recycle, and support ethical businesses.

9. Regular Reflection: Take time to reflect on your actions and thoughts. Assess whether they align with your faith and where you can improve.

10. Celebrate Traditions: Observe and celebrate the holidays and traditions of your faith. These practices connect you to the history and community of your beliefs.

11. Express Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Acknowledge the blessings in your life and express thanks for them.

12. Support Others in Their Faith Journey: Encourage and support others in their spiritual growth. Offer a listening ear or a helping hand when needed.

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can live out your faith in a meaningful way that not only benefits you but also those around you. Remember, living out your faith is not about perfection; it's about progress and the sincere attempt to embody the principles you believe in.

As we approach the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us meditate on these scriptures, allowing them to shape our hearts and actions. May we be inspired to follow Christ more closely, embracing the discipline of discipleship, and finding true life in the way of the cross. For further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions, see the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section.