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A Message from Our Pastor

September 13, 2026

Dear People of St. Patrick Parish,

The webster’s dictionary lists the word FORGIVE – To cease to feel resentment against (an offender) Pardon one’s enemies.

Our loving God did not create wrath and anger and the spirit of hate. Our loving God wanted all people to be loving and truly enjoy being with each other.

Satan the Devil thought he was superior to God His Creator and so the Devil instituted hate, anger, and I will get you and make you suffer.

The first reading today, the Book of Sirach gives us very good advice on how to put Satan in his hateful place.

Psalm 103, tells us, “the Lord is king and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.”

The Gospel of Matthew has Jesus teaching all of us what God the Father expects from all the people that He has created.

Today, we might be like Peter and ask, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?” Seven times, he thought he was being generous, but Jesus tells him, he must forgive seventy-seven times.

How can I expect God to forgive me when I refuse to forgive my neighbor? Yes, my neighbor can be a family member, a classmate, a co-worker, someone driving on the freeway.

Jesus gave us some good tools to use to help us forgive. Pray and let go. Pray that the person will see the wrong they do and change. Think about why I should suffer and hold on to this anger and hate, what a drain.

The Bible, the Seven Sacraments, praying to God and the souls in heaven can be tools I can use.

To forgive is not easy but it is well worth it to our mental, spiritual and physical

well- being.

Let us Try!

God Bless,
Fr. Larry Young
Your Pastor