2026/09/13 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Fr. Radley Alcantara, Associate Pastor

This week, our country remembers the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

For many people, the memories of that day are still vivid. 9/11 is one of those days in history that people can still remember exactly where they were, what they were doing, and how they felt when they first heard what was happening.

Anniversaries like this give us an invitation to remember, but also to reflect on what we’ve learned.

This weekend’s readings speak directly to the human heart. Sirach warns us about holding onto anger and resentment. Jesus tells Peter that forgiveness has to become a way of life. And, St. Paul reminds us that “whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Twenty-five years after 9/11, we know again how fragile life can be and how quickly fear can influence us. Hopefully, this knowledge can make us more compassionate and willing to forgive. We need one another and how we respond to tragedy makes a difference.

Forgiveness doesn’t erase what happened or make evil acceptable. It keeps anger and resentment from becoming the things that control our hearts and minds.

As we remember those who died, those who gave of themselves, and whose lives were changes forever, maybe one way we honor them is by choosing how we live now: loving more generously, holding our loved ones a little closer, serving our neighbors, and refusing to let hatred have the final word.