How often should I forgive? Twenty Fourth Week of Ordinary time How often should I forgive?

Twenty Fourth Week of Ordinary time If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. (Matthew 6:14-15) Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. (Ephesians 4:31-32) “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who trespass against us” (The Our Father) Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father! They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) “Forgive your neighbour the hurt he does you, and when you pray, your sins are forgiven”. (Matthew 18)

Monday: Gospel: Matthew 18: 21–35 Read the Gospel through slowly. How does this teaching on forgiveness make me feel? What questions does it stir in me? Are there times when I have struggled to forgive others? Has someone found it hard to forgive me? Talk to God about this. Read the Gospel again, and this time I imagine seeing Peter and Jesus talking like close friends. What do I notice? Why does Jesus put so much importance on forgiveness? How important is forgiveness and compassion in my life? Talk to Jesus as I would to a close friend about this parable. Listen to what Jesus says to me. Finish praying by saying “Our Father ...”

Peace can only come about when we learn to treat each other as brothers and sisters and recognise our shared vocation as children of God. “Peace is not merely the absence of war; nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power between enemies; nor is it brought about by dictatorship. Instead, it is rightly and appropriately called an enterprise of justice.” Gaudium et Spes, Vatican II Tuesday: Prayer for Peace and Forgiveness We confess that in our lives we do not always choose the way of peace. We spread gossip which fans the flame of hatred. We are ready to make any sacrifices when Caesar demands – but few when God invites. We worship the false god of security and nationalism. We hold out our hand in friendship – but keep a weapon in the other behind our back. We have divided your body of people into those we trust and those we do not. Huge problems challenge us in the world – But our greed, fear and selfishness prevent us from uniting to solve them Lord, we pray for your help, Your forgiveness and your Reconciling power in our lives. Amen

Wednesday: Today is the Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah. Jews believe that today is the anniversary of the creation of the universe, including Adam and Eve. The Jewish year in not 2017 but 5778. The prayer below is said today in Synagogues throughout the world:

Thursday: In the Jewish faith, between Rosh Hashanah (yesterday) and Yom Kippur, (next week) Jews try and mend any quarrels that they have with their neighbours, friends and family. Many often give gifts to each other as part of the act of asking forgiveness. Action: Is there anyone who you have not forgiven? Spend this week putting things right with those with whom you hold a grudge. Use the Our Father as a prayer and focus on forgiveness as you say the words.

Friday Psalm 102 R./ The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings. It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion. His wrath will come to an end; he will not be angry for ever. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults. For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. Reflection: Slowly read Psalm 102 and feel God’s Mercy and Love Action: Confession is the sacrament of forgiveness. Most Parishes will have Confession on a Saturday, or you can ask your local priest for an appointment. If you have not been to confession for a while, this week is a great opportunity to put things right with God.