Today’s Theme: In today’s second reading Paul questions why we judge one another, since we all stand before the judgment of God. Yet we do sin against one another, and Jesus’ challenge that we forgive seventy-seven times reveals God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world.

The Sundays after Pentecost, also called “common or ordinary time”, constitute a season of growth in Christian faith, life, and ministry. Nearly half of the Christian year is reserved for this season, which spans the Sundays between Pentecost – 50 days after Easter, and Advent – around Thanksgiving.

Traditionally, the liturgical color of ordinary time is green. Green is the color of nature and growth. It symbolizes the need of Christians to be disciples, persons who live out the values of the gospel and share them joyfully with others. During this time, the scriptural texts, sermons, and hymns are usually directed toward the task of helping us grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ and bear good fruit in our witness.