September 11, 2022, Sunday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time-C
Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14
Psalm 51
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-32
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim 1:15
“He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
Lord, on this day as our country recalls the horrible sins of terror when we were attacked 21 years ago, we can also rejoice because you have defeated sin, death doesn’t win. Help me to place myself within your Gospel parables. Who am I today: the sinful son, the jealous brother or the compassionate father? I can be all three at one time or another. Your stories of the lost sheep, coin and repentant son tell me how powerful your mercy and forgiveness are. Lord, I trust in your mercy for me when I am lost and want to come home to you. I trust in your forgiveness when I can’t forgive my brothers or sisters. I pray for the grace to be as loving and compassionate as the father was toward both his sons. Lord, you dispense your mercy on all of us not because we deserve it but because we desperately need it. To receive your mercy, I must be willing to give it. Soften my heart O Lord toward anyone who has harmed me in ways big or small. Jesus, may I begin to forgive as you do with small steps today. Amen.