Catholic Identity
Jake Wilkinson, Leader of Religious Education & Catholic Identity
Gospel reading
Gospel Matthew 18:21–35
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if another member of the Church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”
Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Jesus then told a parable about a servant who owed his king a very large amount of money. The servant could not repay the debt and begged the king to be patient with him. The king felt compassion for the servant and completely forgave his debt.
Later, that same servant met another servant who owed him a much smaller amount. Instead of showing the same mercy he had received, he demanded that the money be repaid. When the other servant could not pay, he had him put in prison.
When the king heard what had happened, he was angry. He reminded the servant that because he had received mercy and forgiveness, he should also have shown mercy to others.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Summary
In this Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive someone who hurts us. Peter thinks forgiving someone seven times would be very generous. Jesus tells him that forgiveness should have no limit.
Through the parable, Jesus reminds us that God's love, mercy and forgiveness are freely given to us. Because we receive God's forgiveness, we are called to offer forgiveness to others.
Forgiving someone does not mean that what they did was right or that we should ignore hurtful behaviour. Instead, forgiveness helps us let go of anger and gives us the chance to heal and move forward.
In our St Peter’s community, we are called to follow the example of Jesus by showing mercy, patience and compassion. Sometimes forgiveness can be difficult, but Jesus reminds us that we do not have to do it alone. We can ask God to help us find peace in our hearts and to repair our relationships with others.
Reflection Questions
1. Is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive, or someone from whom I need to ask forgiveness?
2. How can I show God’s mercy, patience and compassion in my words and actions this week?
Prayer
Loving God,
Thank you for always loving me and forgiving me.
Help me to follow the example of Jesus by showing mercy and forgiveness to others.
When I am hurt or angry, give me the strength to choose peace.
Help me to listen, forgive and repair my relationships with others.
May I bring kindness, compassion and hope to all that I meet.
I ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is a special time when we talk to a priest about anything that we have done wrong, say we are sorry, and ask for God's forgiveness. It's like getting a fresh start, knowing God always loves us and helps us to do better.
St Kilian's Parish is offering the sacrament of Reconciliation for students who are in Grade 2 or above who completed the sacrament of Baptism. This program will start in Term 4, October.
If you would like more information, please call the office.
Thanks Jake
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