Council 12376

Forgiven People Forgive

September 7–13, 2026

Peter asks Jesus a question we have probably all asked: how many times do I really have to forgive someone? Jesus' answer is clear — forgiveness cannot simply be counted. The Christian learns to forgive by first remembering the enormous mercy he has already received from God.

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sirach 27:30–28:7
Romans 14:7–9
Matthew 18:21–35

Sirach warns us not to cling to anger and resentment. Jesus then tells the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: a man whose enormous debt has been erased refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him. The lesson is uncomfortable but essential — God's mercy toward us must eventually become mercy flowing through us toward others.

Read the complete Sunday readings at the USCCB →

Bishop Robert Barron

Seventy Times Seven Times

Bishop Barron reflects directly on this Sunday's Gospel. Radical Christian forgiveness becomes possible only when we understand that we ourselves are people whose enormous debt has already been forgiven by God.

View on Word on Fire →

Fr. Mike Schmitz

Forgiveness

Fr. Mike explains what forgiveness really means — and what it does not mean — using the same Parable of the Unforgiving Servant heard in Sunday's Gospel. Forgiveness is an act of the will, but it does not mean pretending an offense never happened or abandoning healthy boundaries.

September 7 — Labor Day

The USCCB's 2026 Labor Day message reminds Catholics that work is more than simply a way to earn a living. Human work participates in God's creation and must always respect the dignity of the human person.

Read the USCCB Labor Day message →

September 8 — Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Church celebrates Mary's birth as part of God's preparation for the coming of Christ. It is one of the few birthdays celebrated liturgically by the Church.

September 9 — St. Peter Claver

St. Peter Claver devoted his ministry to enslaved Africans arriving in Cartagena, Colombia, serving the sick and suffering and defending their human dignity.

September 11 — Patriot Day

On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, the Church calls us to remember those who died, pray for those who still carry the wounds of that day, honor the courage of first responders, and recommit ourselves to peace rather than hatred.

USCCB September 11 resources →

September 12–13 — Grandparents & the Elderly

In the United States, the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is observed this weekend. It is an opportunity to remember the enormous role grandparents and older Catholics play in handing on faith, wisdom, prayer, and family tradition.

Fr. Chris Alar, MIC & the Marian Fathers

The Nativity of Mary

This Living Divine Mercy episode looks at why the Church celebrates Mary's birth and why her place in salvation history points directly toward Christ.

Watch on Divine Mercy Plus

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM

Forgiveness and Freedom

This reflection is an unusually direct companion to Sunday's Gospel. Fr. Richard even recalls placing “70 x 7” above the doorway of his community as a reminder that Christian community survives only where forgiveness is allowed to happen again and again.

Read the reflection →

Remember Our Grandparents & Elderly

Take a few minutes this weekend to call, visit, pray for, or thank an older member of your family or parish. Their witness often carries the faith from one generation to the next in ways that are easy to overlook.

USCCB Grandparents & Elderly resources →

Carry the Word Through the Week

The USCCB provides the readings for Mass every day, along with audio and video resources. Spend a few minutes with Scripture before beginning your day.

What resentment am I still carrying?

Think of one person whose name still produces anger, bitterness, or an old argument in your mind. You do not have to pretend the hurt was acceptable. Instead, ask God for the grace to begin releasing the debt and to remember the mercy He has already shown you.