The 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time | Sunday 17 September 2023

Today is Sunday 17 September, the 24th Sunday of Ordinary time.

The Cape Town Camerata sings, Ukuthula; ‘Peace in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings. Redemption in this world of sin the blood of Jesus brings.’

Ukuthula kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukuthula
Usindiso kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ usindiso
Ukubonga kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukubonga
Ukukholwa kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukukholwa
Ukunqoba kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ ukunqoba
Induduzo kulo mhlaba wezono (Aleluya) igazi likaJesu linyenyez’ induduzo
Peace in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings peace
Redemption in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings redemption
Praise (gratefulness) in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings praise (gratefulness)
Faith in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings
Victory in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings
Comfort in this world of sin (Halleluja) the blood of Jesus brings

Today’s reading is from the Book of Ecclesiasticus.

Ecclesiasticus 27:30-28:7

Anger and wrath, these also are abominations,
yet a sinner holds on to them.
The vengeful will face the Lord’s vengeance,
for he keeps a strict account of their sins.
Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done,
and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray.
Does anyone harbour anger against another,
and expect healing from the Lord?
If someone has no mercy towards another like himself,
can he then seek pardon for his own sins?
If a mere mortal harbours wrath,
who will make an atoning sacrifice for his sins?
Remember the end of your life, and set enmity aside;
remember corruption and death, and be true to the commandments.
Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbour;
remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook faults.

In today's reading, we hear about anger and wrath, which could be a little overwhelming. Pause for a moment and reflect on all you heard…perhaps a word stands out…

“If someone has no mercy towards another like himself,
can he then seek pardon for his own sins?”
We can hear echoes of Jesus’ teachings to come in this verse… How does this verse sit with you today as you hear it?


Now listen as the passage is read to you once more. Is there one word or one phrase that God is bringing to your attention today?

Lastly sit back and see if you can gather together all the thoughts and reflections that are going around inside you; try and turn them into a prayer to our God.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.