September 12-13

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Rather coyly, Peter asks Our Lord, “How often must I forgive?  As many as 7 times?”  Peter is hoping to “look good” in the eyes of Our Lord by being so generous with his forgiveness.  And then, of course, comes the shocking response: “Not seven times, but seventy times seven times!”  This is the Hebraic formula for infinity.  No doubt Peter and the other disciples were speechless, but once again the Master challenges us to leave our preconceived notions of justice and mercy and expand our hearts and minds to think as God thinks.

Consider how many times we have prayed sincerely the Lord’s prayer and utter aloud or in silence: “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  Innumerable times we have pleaded for the Lord to forgive us, but as we realize there is a condition.   And the condition is our forgiving others who have done us wrong.  Our Lord clearly points this out in the parable of today’s Gospel.  Indeed it is an eye-opener and forces us to examine our conscience and our ability to forgive and seek reconciliation.

When we think of Our Lord’s final words from the Cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”  This should give us a great incentive to heal any festering wounds of anger and resentment.  As hard as it may be this is what the Lord asks of us.

Many thanks to all who contributed to our outdoor yard sale (flea market) and to all who worked so hard to bring it about.  It was a great success and thank the dear Lord for such beautiful weather.

Blessings upon catechists, teachers, students, and administrators and staff as they begin the new scholastic year in which any way they shall be participating.  God keep you safe and healthy.

Tomorrow, Monday, September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.  We commemorate this date in 326 when the mother of emperor Constantine, Helena, discover the True Cross of Our Lord, buried with 2 other crosses in an abandoned cistern near the Holy Sepulcher (the tomb of Christ) in Jerusalem.  The Cross, of course, is the hallmark of our Faith – the proof of the Father’s love for us and the ultimate reconciliation that takes place in, with and through His Son.  Your Pastor is privileged to have a splinter relic of Our Lord’s Cross and will happily bless, from a distance, those attending the Monday Mass.

Lift High the Cross!

With Blessings,

Father Langan