St. Francis Xavier Petoskey

2 days ago

Today’s Gospel calls us to be instruments of God’s love and mercy. The parable reminds us of the ongoing mercy of God in my own life and of His never-ending forgiveness.

How many times have I gone to confession and confessed the same sins over and over again? And yet, every time I come before God with a repentant heart, I receive His mercy and forgiveness. God never seems to grow tired of forgiving me. His mercy is always greater than my weakness.

St. Teresa of Avila once said, “I will sing of your mercies, O God.” These words remind us that our lives should become a song of gratitude for the mercy we have received.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we are not meant to keep this mercy for ourselves. We are called to share with others the same mercy and forgiveness that we have received from God. It is through sharing God’s mercy that we become instruments of His love in the world.

We are able to love with mercy because God has first loved us with mercy. We are able to forgive because we ourselves have been forgiven. When we remember how patient God has been with us, it becomes easier to be patient with others. When we remember how often God has forgiven us, we are invited to forgive those who have hurt us.

The challenge of today’s Gospel is therefore very simple but very profound: If God has been merciful to me, how can I refuse to be merciful to another?

May we never forget the mercy we have received from God. And may that mercy transform our hearts so that, wherever we go, we may become instruments of God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion.

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St. Francis Xavier Petoskey

1 week ago

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

My dear brothers and sisters,

Today’s readings remind us that we are responsible for one another. In the first reading, God calls Ezekiel to be a watchman for his people. He is not to ignore someone who is going in the wrong direction, but to care enough to speak the truth.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to do this with love. He says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”

The purpose is not to condemn someone. The purpose is to restore the relationship. Christian community is built on truth, forgiveness, and love.

Then Jesus gives us a beautiful promise:
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

What does it mean to gather in Jesus’ name?

It means that Jesus is at the center of our gathering. We come together not simply as friends or neighbors, but as people who want to live according to his way.

When we forgive one another, Jesus is among us.
When we listen to one another, Jesus is among us.
When we care for someone who is struggling, Jesus is among us.
When we put aside our pride and seek reconciliation, Jesus is among us.

We don't need a large crowd. Even two or three people who sincerely gather in faith, love, and prayer can become a place where Christ is present.

So today, let us ask ourselves: When I gather with others, do I help make Christ present through my words, my forgiveness, and my love?

May our families and our parish become communities where people can truly encounter Jesus because we gather in his name and live in his love.

Amen ... See MoreSee Less