​​​​​Holy Infant Catholic Church

Father Michaels Weekly Thoughts

WEEKLY THOUGHTS 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SEPTEMBER 6th 2026

            Dear friends, welcome to the celebration of the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary time and first Sunday in the month of September. Let us be thankful to God for all the Blessings received over August and to all the challenges God has brought us through; sickness and loss in death of our loved ones. May God be the source of grace and comfort you in this trying time.

            In the Gospel Reading of last Sunday, Jesus predicted before his disciples the suffering, death and glorious resurrection he would endure as Messiah or the Christ in Jerusalem- Peter had confessed. Jesus rebuked Peter for standing against God’s way and plan of salvation. Peter like many Jews expected a political Messiah who would do away with the Roman rule and restore the kingdom of Isarel. Jesus earned us salvation through suffering and the cross over sin and evil.

            The Readings of this Sunday invite and call upon us to walk away from evil as we listen to the messengers God sends us. The Responsorial psalm echo the similar call; “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts- humbly submit to the Lord’s voice.”

            In the Gospel Mt 28:15-20 Jesus teaches the importance of interpersonal relationships as important for love and harmony in the community of believers. Jesus comes to this brotherly correction after teaching on the parable of the stray sheep.

Jesus proposes three steps to restore unity, love and harmony.

The offended person reaches out to the offender. This would be great if the offender acknowledges the offence and apologizes to the offended. The privacy preserves people’s sense of wholeness.
The offended person goes to the offender with two or three witnesses in case the first stage fails.
The third stage in case the second one fails is to resolve the issue, by reporting the matter to the authority in the community that pronounce what is right and what is wrong. Jesus promises also prayer of the community.

            Jesus promises to be in the midst of two or more gathered to pray. Here Jesus emphasizes the power of prayer to get over evil. Prayer is a very powerful weapon to fight and overcome evil. It is for this reason that our Bishops are appealing to us for prayers in particular Eucharistic Adoration and Holy hour for the consciences of the voters to vote No to abortion. Loving and merciful God hear our prayer request. 

           Have a great week and month of September.