Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, September 13, we celebrate the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, with Deacon Nate Irvine presiding. These readings focus on forgiveness and mercy—God's radical forgiveness, Joseph's compassion, and the mercy we owe one another.
FIRST READING – Genesis 50:15–21
Joseph's brothers fear he will seek revenge after their father's death. Instead, Joseph weeps and tells them, "Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it for good." He recognizes that what his brothers meant for evil, God has transformed into good. He reassures them with kindness and promises to provide for them and their children.
PSALM 103:(1–7), 8–13
The psalmist proclaims God’s compassion: “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and of great kindness.” God does not deal with us according to our sins, nor reward us according to our wickedness. His mercy is as vast as the heavens are high above the earth. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us. “As a father cares for his children, so does the Lord care for those who fear him.”
EPISTLE – Romans 14:1–12
Paul urges the Church not to judge one another over matters of personal conscience. Whether they eat meat or abstain, or observe certain days or not—all do so in honor of the Lord. "We will all stand before the judgment seat of God." Since judgment belongs to God alone, we must welcome and accept one another rather than condemn.
GOSPEL – Matthew 18:21–35
Peter asks Jesus how often he should forgive—seven times? Jesus replies, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." In the parable that follows, a king forgives a slave an impossible debt. Yet the same slave refuses to forgive a fellow slave a much smaller debt. The king condemns him, saying, "Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?" Jesus concludes: "My heavenly Father will treat each of you this way unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
These readings remind us that the forgiveness we have received from God—infinite and grace-filled—calls us to extend the same mercy to others. Having been forgiven much, we are called to forgive without limit.
Read the full readings and reflections
The podcast of today’s service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Don’t forget to review this week’s announcements and the church calendar.
This week in your prayers, please include those on our prayer list as we work to strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, consider the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
