Forgiveness

My dear friends in Christ,

What does it really mean to forgive someone? We often learn about it as a practice from a very young age, being taught from a very young age to say, “I’m sorry,” and then “It’s OK. I forgive you,” even though it might hurt more than we let on. Our text for this Sunday is about forgiveness. It is a difficult word to hear, because we find forgiveness difficult — both to receive and to give. However, it is also an urgent word, because receiving and giving forgiveness is central to our faith. First we received God’s forgiveness and are then called to make it possible for others to experience it. This is not cheap grace. Jesus isn’t suggesting that we regard offenses as unimportant. Nor is He suggesting that we wink at sin. He is calling us to take sin seriously — and then to take forgiveness equally seriously. Forgiveness is not something that comes easy and often times it is not our first response but the Lord tells us to forgive not seven times but seventy-seven times for there are no limits on God’s grace.

Please refer to the bulletin regarding registration for our Religious Education and RCIA programs or call the Rectory office during regular business hours.

We will continue with the current Mass Schedule of 4:00 PM Saturday and 9:00 AM Sunday while the Bishop’s dispensation for Sunday Mass is in effect. When this dispensation is lifted, we will change the Mass Schedule on Sunday (probably 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM) to meet the needs of the parish and Cohort #1.

May God bless you all,

Father John