SACBC REFLECTION.   WEEK THREE (13 – 19 September 2026) Theme: “Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done” (Sir 28:2)

Opening Prayer: The Prayer for Peace on the Jubilee of St Francis of Assisi. St Francis, our brother, you who 800 years ago, went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us with the Lord.   You who recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation, that breaks down all walls.  You, who unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world erects borders, in this age marked by conflict and division.   Intercede for us that we may become artisans of peace; unarmed and disarming witnesses to the peace that comes from Christ.

Reflection

I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.” (Nicene Creed) Our belief in baptism is tied to the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the dead. This calls us to confess our sins not only against God, but also our neighbour, self and all creation. Often, we rush to ask for forgiveness from God for self, yet not open to extending first the same forgiveness to neighbour and creation. In actual fact, lack of forgiveness blocks the flow of life-giving grace, blocking it from self, others and the environment. The result is disastrous for all creation.

Teaching of the Church

Forgiveness can be divided into two primary dimensions: receiving Gods mercy and extending that same mercy to others, including to the environment. Firstly, the sacrament of baptism stands at the centre of conversion and forgiveness, the outpouring of unlimited and unconditional mercy of God. Secondly, the Sacrament of Confession (Penance and Reconciliation) invites us to take ownership of our sins, taking the first steps to approach the throne of mercy and readiness to repair damage (reparation).

Truth and Love

LD 69 “I ask everyone to accompany this pilgrimage of reconciliation with the world that is our home and to help make it more beautiful, because that commitment has to do with our personal dignity and highest values. At the same time, I cannot deny that it is necessary to be honest and recognize that the most effective solutions will not come from individual efforts alone, but above all from major political decisions on national and international level.”

JUSTICE FOR CREATION: CULTURE OF CARE       Collect glass, plastic containers, bottles and bottle tops and drop at the recycling spot. Prepare a spot at HOME OR THE PARISH yard to start a vegetable garden. Show tangible reconciliation and forgiveness through care and be at peace with others and the environment. What can I (we) do this week in line with the above sharing? Have you considered to measure your activities against theLaudato Si Action Platform