12/09/2026
My Dear Friends,
In the Gospel for this Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity, Peter asks Jesus how many times one ought to extend forgiveness to another. Peter proposes a reasonable number of times, perhaps seven. Jesus replies by extending Peter's proposal by an enormous amount; not just seven times should one forgive, but seventy-seven times. In the parable of the unforgiving servant which follows, we come to understand the depths of God's mercy toward us and the results of our acceptance of God's forgiveness.
The king in the parable decides to settle accounts with his servants. We are told that one servant owes the king an enormous sum of money. Despite the promise of the servant, it is unlikely that he would ever be able to repay the debt that he owes. The king is moved by the humility of the pleading servant and mercifully forgives the debt. Rather than displaying gratitude for this forgiveness, the servant confronts a fellow servant who owes him a small debt — a pittance when compared with the amount that was owed to the king. The unmerciful servant refuses the pleas of his fellow servant and sends the servant to prison.
Some other servants tell the merciful king about the actions of the unforgiving servant. The king punishes that servant because he refused to show the kind of mercy he had himself received from the king. Jesus says that this is how it will be with God and those who refuse to forgive one another.
There is a temptation to quantify forgiveness as Peter tried to do, but Jesus' point is that forgiveness is not about the number of times we extend forgiveness to another. In the parable the king's forgiveness is like God's forgiveness, and it transforms us, helping us to be as forgiving as God. The lesson is clear: If we hoard God's mercy while showing no mercy to others, we risk forfeiting the effects of God's mercy in our lives.
With my love and prayer,
Fr. Richard
Intercessions
In peace let us pray to the Lord; for the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of all souls, saying:
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
For Christ’s body, the Church, that she may be firm in the confession of her faith. For Emma and Lusa our bishops, for Sarah, our Archbishop, and for all the people of God:
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
For the life of the world, that your peace may be known and may prevail. For nations beset by violence, Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, for this nation and for Charles our King:
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
For this community, for all who live, work or visit here, for our families, friends, colleagues and neighbours: that we may serve Christ in one another, and love as he loves us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
For the sick, the anxious, the lonely, the dying and the bereaved among them Bill, Joan, Nora, Cathy, Neri, Jim, Sacha, Sebastien, Jenny, Fleur, Pat, George, Rutti, Trish, Pauline, Nigel, Michael, Stephen, Roy, Lynne, Keith, Phoebe, Damien, Anthony, Marlene, Kay, Marjorie, Amber, Victor, Serge, Jemil, Naheda, Okailey, Wieslawa, George, Malcolm and Souraya.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who have died, among them Roger Riviera, Harry Winyard, Charles Springet, John Barnes, and Margaret Biggie.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of Our Lady and all the saints and asking their prayers we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray to the love of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
Our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
A prayer for peace in Iran
Ever-loving God, who hears us in our anguish and distress, and longs for us to be free. We pray for the people of Iran and the wider Middle East, at this time of fear and uncertainty. Be near to the anxious; bring comfort to the suffering. Guide those with power to make decisions, and lead them in the ways of wisdom, compassion and moderation: that people of goodwill would seek harmony and reconciliation. Join us with our Christian brothers and sisters in all places, in praying for peace with justice, through him who is the prince of peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer for peace in Ukraine
Lord of all the earth, be present with the people of Ukraine at this time of danger, fear, and conflict. Grant that wise and peaceable counsels may yet prevail and give to all suffering nations the freedom they desire and deserve. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Announcements
Church is open for private prayer and reflection. Please see separate sheet for opening hours and Mass times.
Refreshments are served after the 10.30 Mass on Sunday. Please join us in the Parish Hall.
Giving
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https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/.../ealing-christ-the.../
Thank you so much for your continued support and generosity in ensuring that Christ the Saviour continues to be a warm, welcoming, house of prayer here at the heart of Ealing Broadway.