SATURDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD (SATWOG SEPTEMBER, 16TH, 2023) INSPIRING REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS

LAITY REFLECTIONS FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

First Reading: Sirach 27:30-28:7

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2;3-4;9-10;11-12 (R.8)

Second Reading: Romans 14:7-9

Gospel Acclamation: John 13:34

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Onyema Collins

MY REFLECTION

A Priest once said that, "the act of forgiveness may seem difficult because of the pain a person may have caused us."

He went on to further state that it is easier to forgive than to keep malice, because when we forgive we bring peace to our hearts.

Some may go as far as saying, "over my dead body, I will never forgive this person." This is a very terrible statement to  make because the person who said this is unknowingly causing harm to himself.

We offend God so much with our sins and God still forgives us. Being children of God, we should cultivate the habit of forgiving others and letting go.

There is nothing in this world. When death comes, everything we hold on to in this world, comes to an end. Hence, we should not carry any form of bitterness to our graves.

To illustrate how important forgiveness is, an Exorcist Priest, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, mentioned in one of his sessions, that in one case, someone was holding on to a wrong done to him in the past, and this person had so much anger and resentment towards the offender who wronged him. This made the person's deliverance not to be successful.

Forgiveness in a Christian sense, is letting go of anger and resentment and then, asking God to bless the person who offended us.

Igbinazaka Angela

MY REFLECTION

The readings gives me a sober reflection especially in my hospital bed where I have been confined to for the past one week.

While I was reflecting on the readings, some question popped in my head, 'what if God decides to hold my sins against me just like I have held back on those who offended me? What would have been my lot when I went into the theatre, God had condemned to death? Is there repentance after death? What will it take for me to forgive freely and live each day as it comes?'

The readings remind me to forgive the wrongs my neighbor has done to me and in this case, my closest neighbor is my husband whom I encounter daily.

How often do I forgive him?

This is a wake up call for me because if I am able to forgive myself, then, I can forgive anyone and avoid eternal damnation, since the commandments of God have clearly stated these two, are the greatest of all laws, 'Love of God and Love of Neighbors.'

If I say I love God whom I cannot see, then, I have no excuse to love my neighbor who I see everyday because they are all made in the image and likeness of God. God is rich in mercy and compassionate and I must emulate Him.

I have experienced a new life because God showed me mercy and I will reciprocate by being compassionate to those around me. 

It does not matter the number of times we get offended. We must keep forgiving as Christ forgives us countlessly.

Oki Nkechi Joy

MY REFLECTION

The first reading warns us to do nothing when we are angry, instead, we should walk away because our actions could result into something more severe than what caused the anger.

We see this happening in the Gospel reading with the steward who pleaded for mercy and more time to pay his debt, despite being forgiven by the boss. His anger was aroused at the sight of his fellow steward whom, in turn, owes him. Most probably, the anger was caused by the embarrassment he faced pleading with his boss, and instead of forgiving his fellow steward when he pleaded, he allowed his emotions get the better part of him. The end result of action was unimaginable, a prison sentence!

As Christians, it is important to learn the 'act of forgiveness.' Just as we are daily being forgiven by our heavenly father. Forgive so you too can be forgiven.

Nzeakor Eugenia

MY REFLECTION

Genuine Forgiveness, The Key To Your Freedom.

Greetings brethren!

Today, we are being reminded of how important forgiveness is to our lives. We can never deny that we are all sinners in this world.

The word of God is telling us today how important it is, for us to forgive others who sinned against us. It is the key for us to obtain our own forgiveness and pardon from the Lord. When you genuinely forgive someone who sinned against you, you will have this inner peace in you; it will seem as if a burden is being lifted off you.

Most times, it is not easy to forgive l must say, but it is still not impossible. When you truly forgive from your heart, it will help you to equally forget the offense.

This our heavenly race is not easy, considering the happenings of this life and the way we behave towards our follow human beings, but with the help of God and our perseverance, we shall attain our thrones in Heaven. May God see us through in Jesus' name, Amen 🙏🙏🙏