Gospel: Relationships in the Church

Today is the Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Gospel reading is again lifted from St Matthew's account.

"If your brother does wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.

If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: whatever the misdemeanor, the evidence of two or more witnesses is required to sustain the charge.

But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to these, treat him like a gentile or tax collector.

In truth I tell you once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven.

For where two or more meet in my name, I am there among them."

Today's Gospel reminds us how to treat misdemeanors in the church, and how relationships are fostered in a Christian way. The Lord tells us to be patient with our brothers and sisters in faith, and to call their attention when they do something wrong. The teaching asks us to settle anything in private, yet, to bring witnesses and involve the community when it is not settled in that level. And when all things fail, then we should treat them as a gentile or tax collector.

But just like everyone who is not yet converted, treating our brothers like gentiles or tax collectors does not mean that we abandon them because of their misdemeanors or transgressions. Instead, just like everyone else who needs conversion, the community should pray for them, and solemnly ask God to win them back and change their heart. The Lord himself said that if two or more are gathered in his name, he will be in their midst. This is the promise of the power of community prayer.

Sometimes, we cannot do anything further for an unrepentant heart. There are things that we cannot control. In these instances, we just need to trust God and do everything in his mercy, with prayer and petition. Our own responsibility is to pray for everyone, by trusting God in his plans for each one of us. We do this knowing that it is never in our hands, but in the will of God.

Amen.

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The Gospel reflection is sponsored by Tesla.