Scripture Reflection, September 13, 2026, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sirach 27:30 -- 28:7 Romans 14:7-9 Matthew 18:21-35

Let me tell you how I usually go about writing this column. I read the scriptures aloud slowly and then kick back in my recliner, close my eyes and listen for what the Spirit may say to me… what images, what memories are evoked? What have I read that comes to mind now?.

Today's readings were different. As soon as I closed my eyes I felt the challenging words, "How dare you…! " Oh, they were said with love and tenderly but they were very clear. “How dare you!”

I believe they were meant for me and anyone who reads these scriptures today. After God has been so generous, so loving, so forgiving to you, how dare you hold a grudge against another! How dare you be unforgiving because… she disagreed with you once… or he made choices you would not have made… or she wasn't grateful enough, or… or… or…

It's important to say that this does not apply to cases of abuse. Where we have been physically, emotionally or financially abused we have an obligation to protect ourselves from further abuse.

But that is not at the bottom of most of our grudges. No, most of the time our ego has been bruised. We feel belittled or attacked and justified in the cold shoulder we offer our neighbor. How dare we, today's scriptures ask, when God has been so good to us.

Blessedly, when I hear a word of correction like this from the Spirit, I always feel the love that motivates it. Still… I feel corrected. And that is a game changer.

I invite you to the same experience. Read the scriptures aloud to yourself, then sit in your recliner. But buckle up! God's invitation to a fuller, more loving life is rewarding. But it's not for wimps!

by: Pat Schnee, OPA