Gospel for September 13 2026 – Matthew 18:21–35
Gospel Reflections for September 13 2026
Forgive your enemies 77 times! …really?
This Gospel speaks powerfully about forgiveness …but that many times?
In my 48 years as a priest, I have heard many Confessions, and they still remain an inspiring experience for me.
At the start of every Confession a person indicates how long it has been since their last confession.
I am always impressed when I hear it has been many years. I always say, “Welcome back!” I can sense right away how good it makes people feel to return to this very healthy spiritual exercise.
One thing a priest NEVER asks is “How many times have you been to confession?” After all, a person may confess often, and even the same mortal sins each time, and yet still receive the same total forgiveness Our Lord provides in this amazing sacrament.
If you are sorry for your sins, God makes it easy for you to start over again no matter how many times you fail. That is good news!
After all, some sins may be with you all your life. Our Lord knows that. All He asks is that you are honest about them, acknowledge them sincerely and accurately, and then humbly seek His grace to overcome them …one more time.
You may never be perfect …but you can always be honest.
Venial Sins, which often come from emotional outbursts or impulsive actions, are completely forgiven at Mass. Mortal sins, which involve your deep premeditated total rejection of God and the planning of serious or deadly harm on another, are for Confession.
You often do not receive this kind of mercy from those around you. If you hurt others often, they might end the relationship for their own safety. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting what happened! (See my article Forgiveness …is not Forgetting)
Our Lord is different. He will never end His relationship with you …so you must never end your relationship with Him.
However, God’s forgiveness in Confession does not erase your memories of the past. Our brain, unfortunately, often retains them, but they are completely gone in the eyes of God. Humbly accept His mercy and grace and find the courage to make the changes you need for your future.
You have all the time your life provides, but only the time your life provides. Decide now to use your time well …and the grace of forgiveness that you receive to move forward.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
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