Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 13, 2020
First Reading: Sirach 27.30 – 28.7
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Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Second Reading: Romans 14.7-9
Gospel: Matthew 18.21-35
21Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?"22Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.23"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.24When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.25And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.26So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.'27And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.28But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay what you owe.'29So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.'30He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.31When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.32Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.33And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of forgiveness, mercy, and living in accordance with God’s will. In the first reading from Sirach, we are warned against the dangers of anger and vengeance. The author reminds us that holding onto resentment and seeking revenge only lead to harm, both for ourselves and others. Instead, we are encouraged to forgive our neighbors and let go of animosities, remembering that we are all fragile and in need of God’s mercy. This wisdom is rooted in the understanding that our lives are fleeting, and our ultimate end should inspire us to live in peace and reconciliation.
The second reading from Romans shifts our focus to the purpose of our lives as Christians. St. Paul reminds us that we do not live or die for ourselves, but for the Lord. Whether in life or death, we belong to God, and this truth should shape how we relate to one another. Christ’s death and resurrection have given Him dominion over all, and we are called to live in a way that reflects His lordship. This passage sets the stage for the Gospel, where Jesus teaches us about the necessity of forgiveness in our relationships with others.
In the Gospel, Jesus responds to Peter’s question about how many times we should forgive by telling the parable of the unforgiving servant. The servant who was forgiven a massive debt refuses to show the same mercy to his fellow servant, and as a result, he is handed over to suffering. Jesus’ message is clear: forgiveness is not optional. If we have experienced God’s mercy, we must extend that mercy to others. This parable challenges us to examine our own hearts and ask whether we are truly living as people who have been forgiven.
These readings remind us that forgiveness is not just a feeling but a choice—one that is essential for our spiritual well-being and our relationships with others. When we hold onto anger and resentment, we create barriers not only with others but also with God. On the other hand, when we choose to forgive, we open ourselves to the healing and freedom that come from living in accordance with God’s will. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that we are called to be instruments of God’s mercy, just as we have been the recipients of it. May we strive to forgive others as generously as we have been forgiven, and may this forgiveness bring us closer to God and to one another.