Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Lectionary: 130
Read the Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Gospel Summary
This great story illustrates God's tremendous love for us. In the story a servant (someone like us) owed an incomprehensible sum of money (our sinfulness) to a king (God). The servant begged for time to repay the debt. The king, out of love and compassion, forgave the entire debt. But the sad ending of the story described the servant's inability to forgive another person's much smaller debt.

Reflection for Families
This is an easy gospel for parents to understand. We are called to love one another and forgive one another just as God loves and forgives us. Just as God loves us unconditionally, we freely love our children. They return this love, not out of fear or obligation. They love us because we love them.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
As you watch television this week or see movies, notice how many times the theme of forgiveness is used in the media. Rethink the story's ending. What if forgiveness had not taken place? Share your ideas with one another. How would the world be different if we didn't forgive one another? Talk about times forgiveness has made a difference in your own lives.

Discussion Starters

1. I try not to make the same mistakes twice, but there is one person who has had to forgive me for the same thing more than once...
2. I know the power the servant felt over the second servant. Sometimes I feel more powerful when someone owes me something. I had this feeling when...
3. It feels good to be generous like the king. One time I remember especially is...