September 11th, 2011 (see other dates)

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

• Seasonal Prayer
• Activities for Primary Grades
• Activities

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Reading 1 Sirach 27: 30-28:9

Reading 1 Reflection

The Book of Sirach contains many maxims, or brief sayings, about how we should conduct our lives. Today’s first reading gives us several maxims on why and how to forgive our enemies. We are told that even though "wrath and anger are hateful things" that harm us, we sometimes hang on tight to them. Forgiveness is good for us and for those who have harmed us. If we refuse to pardon others, how can we expect God to pardon us?

We are also advised to think about the final days of our life. This may help us to find it easier to forgive. Why do we sometimes hang on to anger and grudges? In what ways will Sirach’s maxims help you?

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Reading 2 Romans 14:7-9

Reading 2 Reflection

Paul believes that a Christian should have one answer to two basic questions: For whom are you living? For whom would you die? The answer is: our Lord Jesus Christ. He has given everything for us, and we belong to him. In what ways will you live for Christ?

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Gospel Matthew 18:21-35

Gospel Reflection

Like Peter we can sometimes think we can limit forgiveness to a certain number of times. We say to ourselves, "I have forgiven that person two times already. I’m not forgiving again." Yet Jesus insists that we forgive again and again, just as God forgives us. Today’s parable reminds us that God is always ready to forgive. But God expects us to forgive others too. This is part of our understanding of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

The message of forgiveness and reconciliation is a strong one in today’s gospel. Take a moment to think about it. When will you celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation?

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Proclaiming Faith Activities for Primary Grades

Ways to Forgive

Have the children role-play forgiving each other. Present them with various situations such as the ones listed below. Discuss forgiving ways to react to each situation. Then have them act these out.

• Someone teases you about how you look

• Someone pushes you down

• Someone laughs at your artwork

• Someone won’t let you play with him or her

Prayer for Forgiveness

The readings for this Sunday all center on forgiveness and our call to be forgiving. Gather the children in a circle and join hands. Offer a prayer to the Holy Spirit to ask for help in forgiving people who have hurt them.

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Proclaiming Faith Activities

Love Your Enemies

After someone tried to kill Pope John Paul II several years ago in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope visited him in prison and spoke words of forgiveness from the heart. How do you think the gunman felt when he heard the Pope’s words? The Pope represents Christ for us on earth. How did this action represent Christ?

The United States Bishops wrote a public statement on the death penalty. Look it up on the Bishops’ web site at http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/criminal/cappunishment.htm and find three quotes that speak about forgiveness.

Forgiveness

The sacrament of Reconciliation helps us to understand and receive forgiveness. Which part of this sacrament helps us to

connect with the Church’s power to forgive _________________________

recognize we are sinful _________________________________________

admit our sinfulness ____________________________________________

be sorry ______________________________________________________

ask forgiveness ________________________________________________

receive forgiveness _____________________________________________

thank God for being forgiven _____________________________________

promise not to sin again _________________________________________

do something to show we are trying to change _______________________

A Prayer Booklet

Write a prayer you could say before or after receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Fold a piece of paper in half and then in half again to make a four-page booklet. On the cover make a design with these words:

Forgiveness--70 X 7--Thank you, Lord.

Print your prayer inside the booklet.

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