Readings: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, Matthew 18:15-20
“If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus addresses a pressing issue: what to do when your brother (a church member or someone close to you) offends you or sins against you. Jesus did not mention the word ‘forgive’ in this passage. Rather, he points out certain steps we must take, which may or may not culminate in forgiving the offender.
Nevertheless, Jesus speaks about “two or three agreeing to ask” in His name. How do we agree in prayer without first forgiving one another? In other words, the ultimate aim of these steps is forgiveness and reconciliation.
The first step Jesus recommends is to “go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” (Matthew 18:15). Do not assume everyone knows what they are doing. I may hurt you while minding my business. If you don’t tell me what I have done, I may be living my life while you are there sulking.
Do not skip this first step; do not make assumptions. People do not always know what they are doing. This is why Jesus prayed for his killers, saying: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Avoid the mistake of discussing someone’s fault with others without first meeting the person one on one. If you haven’t told me my fault, I will not be happy to hear it from a third party.
If you have met them individually and they refuse to reconcile, Jesus recommended further steps, such as going with one or two persons and inviting the church (your priest or pastor). If after telling me what I did wrong, I refuse to admit and apologise, I may soften up when you come with one or two others. In many African communal societies, this is how many disputes are resolved.
However, if I refuse to reconcile when you bring others to me, it means I am ready for war. This is the point you now involve the church. By refusing to listen to the church, Jesus says, “Let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:17).
One may ask, “Why are there so many steps? If someone sins against us, why don’t we move on? Through these steps, Jesus wants us to make an effort to win back one who has sinned against us. Give them an opportunity to repent before surrendering them to God. Remember: There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than the ninety-nine who do not need repentance.
In today’s first reading, Ezekiel describes a vision of God’s judgement upon the people for their refusal to mourn over (or speak against) the evils rampaging the society. God instructed the angels to put a mark on those who “sigh and groan over all the abominations committed in it.”
Meanwhile, those who did not receive the mark were to be slain, and this judgment was to begin from the sanctuary. As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Those of us in the sanctuary are the conscience of society; if we keep quiet over our atrocities and abominations, God will not take it lightly with us.
Let us pray: Almighty ever-living God, whom, taught by the Holy Spirit, we dare to call our Father, bring, we pray, to perfection in our hearts the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters, that we may merit to enter into the inheritance which you have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 19 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22, Ps 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, Matthew 18:15-20)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu