September 13- Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time :

First Reading
Sirach 27:30—28:9
Those who seek God's mercy must be merciful toward others.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 103:1-4,9-12
A song of praise to God who is kind and merciful.

Second Reading
Romans 14:7-9
We belong to the Lord.

 

Gospel Reading
Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus teaches that we must forgive one another as God has forgiven us.

Background on the Gospel Reading

Today's Gospel reading directly follows last Week's Gospel in which Jesus taught the disciples how to handle disputes and conflict within the Christian community. In today's reading Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to extend forgiveness to another. Peter proposes a reasonable number of times, perhaps seven. Jesus replies by extending Peter's proposal by an enormous amount; not just seven times should one forgive, but 77 times. The parable of the unforgiving servant is Jesus' elaboration of his initial reply to Peter. Through the parable we come to understand the depths of God's mercy toward us and the results of our acceptance of God's forgiveness.