“Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, how often should I forgive my brother or sister if they sin against me, as many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22).
That’s the way the Gospel of this weekend begins. This is from the NRSV edition of the Bible. The version we used previously said “not seventy-seven times but seventy times 7”, and that is even more severe. Suffice it to say that we need to be ready to forgive others as often as necessary.
I’d like to turn this around for a moment and ask because from my own experience, and at my age I have a bit, how often should I forgive myself after having overstepped or offended another? Sometimes I think that’s the most difficult forgiveness to get or give. It’s much more difficult to forgive myself for my failures than it is to forgive another who has wronged me or to ask for forgiveness from someone I have offended. In case someone's homily is going in that direction I will say no more.
Maybe because I was involved in education for so long, as a student, an educator, a deacon involved in programs starting up, September almost feels like the beginning of a year. Where life was different and so much more relaxed for many of us during the summer months, now everything is starting up once again. Custodial staff prepared schools for a new beginning. Teaching staff, administrative staff and support staff took some time during the month of August to prepare themselves for what was to come. Parents also prepared for a new beginning as did their children, whether it was an entry into formal education, a new grade in the same school or maybe even in a new school, entry into continuing education (post-secondary) or even into the world of work. All are stressful and all require our continued support and prayers.
In the parish, very soon, registration will be coming up for those in grades 2 and above who wish to receive First Holy Communion during this school year. Parent meetings for them will be in early October and the preregistration forms can be accessed on the parish website. Then it will be time for those in grade 6 or above who want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next spring. You may be an adult who is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and possibly joining its membership. The RCIA program is for you. Starting in a few weeks is a Bereavement Support Group for those who have experienced a recent loss to one that happened many years ago. Meetings of this group are of 6-week duration with the first meeting on September 23rd from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Monica Church. Bible Study courses will resume on October 1st with a study of The Prophets: Messengers of God’s mercy. Every ministry in our parishes will be looking for new and more people to become involved. All of this is in the bulletin. Let’s become informed and involved.
Deacon Raymond Lamarche
