Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge

September, 2026

Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Gospel for Sept. 13, Mt 18:21-22)

To forgive others can be very difficult at times, especially when someone repeatedly offends us. Jesus tells us there is no magic number that limits our obligation — our desire to forgive and show mercy to others must be boundless, just as God’s mercy toward us is infinite. We pray in the Our Father, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Our very salvation depends on our willingness to forgive, for God will forgive us in the measure that we forgive others (cf. Mt 6:14-15).

Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

This month, I challenge you to make a list of the people in your life — past and present — whom you find or have found difficult to forgive, and to sincerely pray for them each day.

Questions for Reflection:

Are there people in your life whom you find difficult to forgive for past offenses? Do you sometimes find yourself saying the words “I forgive you,” but holding on to the hurt like a grudge? What steps can you take to move to true forgiveness?

Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge

Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

Questions for Reflection:

Monthly Challenges