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 forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Second Reading: Romans 14.7-9
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Gospel: Matthew 18.21-35
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
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.