Fr. Rick’s Homily: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 6, 2026
Matthew 18:15-20
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090626.cfm

We Offend People But Also God

Maybe you’ve prayed to God for forgiveness, especially for your sins against someone,
but still find it hard to feel at peace with God or the person. It’s wonderful to
acknowledge our sins, but sometimes, a quiet prayer alone might not be enough to
bring true peace.

As time goes by, we come to understand how meaningful it is to hear words of
absolution from Jesus and the priest. It’s such a beautiful blessing to know that when
we share our feelings with the priest during the Sacrament, we are also speaking
directly to Jesus.

In today’s gospel, Jesus shared with his disciples, “Whatever you bind on earth will be
bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” This
message was specifically for his followers, not everyone.

St. Matthew’s Gospel reminds us that only his disciples received this, reassuring us that
Jesus himself grants forgiveness of sins through his ordained priests.

Some believe they can manage without Jesus absolving sin in the Sacrament. Still, they
must realize we offend both others and our Lord, Jesus Christ. “What you do to the least
of my brothers and sisters, you do to me” (Matthew 25:40). He needs to hear our sorrow
as others do.

Only Jesus can absolve sin that offends him. No human being can absolve sin. It’s all in
the words of Consecration at Mass: “This is the cup of My Blood, the Blood of the new
and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and many, FOR THE FORGIVENESS
OF SINS. Do this in memory of Me.” A priest receives a special character of Jesus
when he is ordained to speak and act in His Holy Name.

From my experience, confessing to a priest in the Sacrament gives me the courage to
approach a brother or sister and tell them I’m sorry. Until then, it’s easy to continue
harboring resentment and the pain that sin causes us. James L. Menapace states this: 
To harbor resentments is like closing a wound with all the infection still inside. No
healing can ever take place. The wound has to be lanced, opened, and cleansed before
it can heal. Someone has said resentment is like drinking poison, hoping the other
person dies. (https://www.livingwithoutlust.com/our-unbearable-sins/)

Gospel Challenge: 
Imagine someone you know who hasn’t visited confession in a while. Sometimes, it can
feel a bit tough to share how the Sacrament of Confession has brought peace to your
mind, heart, and soul.

After receiving this beautiful Sacrament, our hearts become more like the merciful heart
of Jesus. Take a moment to pray about how to talk to them about how you feel after
Confession. You’ll find that the Sacrament can give you the courage you need.

Peace everyone.

Love Your Neighbor!   
  
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com
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