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Mass Times

Weekend

Saturday Vigil:  4:00pm

Weekday

Tuesday:  8:00am

and all First Fridays

Confession Times

Saturday: 3:00pm to 3:45pm

or by Appointment

Holy Hour

Saturday: 3:00 - 4:00pm

A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

The Gift of Forgiveness

 

Forgiveness is one of the things most of us struggle with. When someone has wronged us, hurt us, or continues to hurt us, we may ask: How can I forgive? Is there a limit?

 

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus, “How often must I forgive?” Jesus answers, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” In other words, there is no limit to forgiveness.

 

Jesus’ parable reminds us that we have all received God's forgiveness, yet we sometimes find it difficult to forgive others. The servant who was forgiven a great debt refused to forgive the much smaller debt owed to him. He could not truly receive the gift of forgiveness because he was unwilling to give it.

 

When we hold on to anger, hatred, resentment, or a desire for revenge, we continue to hurt ourselves. These feelings take away our peace, joy, and freedom. Forgiveness does not mean that what happened was right, nor does it mean allowing someone to continue hurting us. Rather, forgiveness means placing the hurt in God's hands and refusing to let it control our lives.

 

Shakespeare said, “Forgiveness is twice blest.” It blesses the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven.

 

Every day we pray in the Our Father: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Let us therefore ask God for the grace to forgive, especially those who have hurt us deeply. We may not forget immediately, and healing may take time, but with God's grace we can let go of resentment and discover the freedom and peace that forgiveness brings.

 

Let us pray for the gift of forgiveness. Lord, teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Free our hearts from anger and resentment and fill us with Your peace.

 

Blessings of Peace and Joy always! 

Fr. Joe

Mission Statement:

We the faith community of Ss. Simon & Jude are called to worship as a family to nurture and grow our faith and to be a welcoming, evangelizing and serving community.