23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 5-6, 2026

  We hear in Saint Matthew's Gospel today a clear-cut process of reconciliation. Jesus, who showers his mercy upon us unceasingly, invites us to make peace with those who have offended us. In his letter to the Romans, Saint Paul emphasizes that only in love can the law be fulfilled. Every gesture toward reconciliation inherently implies recognition of past errors, and strengthens us so that we do not commit them again. When we meet Christ in the sacrament of penance, he forgives us and feeds us with his resurrected life, giving us the opportunity to recognize our faults and to carry out the mission he has entrusted to each of us. Today, the word of God affirms that we cannot be reconciled with God without seeking reconciliation with our brothers and sisters. This theme provides an opportunity for ongoing reflection of our community groups. In the Sunday liturgy this week, emphasize the theme of reconciliation in the song selection and universal prayer to engage the assembly in the deeper meaning of reconciliation before they share in the reconciling love of Christ in the Eucharist.

(This reflection is from www.liturgy.com subscription service)