Twenty Third Sunday of the Year (Year A)

Twenty Third Sunday of the Year September 10, 2023

Ezekiel 33:7-9   Romans 13:8-10   Matthew 18:15-20

(image courtesy: Google)

One summer evening after a festal hour of singing and dancing the whole tribe sat around the chieftain. He began to speak to them: “If you have quarreled with a brother and you have decided to kill him,” as he spoke he looked directly at the one of the group, “first sit down, fill your pipe and smoke it.  When you have finished smoking you will realize that death is too severe a punishment for your enemy for the fault he has committed, and you decide to give a good whipping instead.  Then you fill your pipe a second time and smoke it to the bottom.  By then you feel that the lashes will be too much and instead some simple words of reproof would be sufficient. Then when the third time you have filled your pipe and smoked it to the finish, you will be better convinced that the better thing to do is going to that brother and embraces him.

The readings of the day invite us to reflect on the theme of reconciliation and the responsibility that comes with being a member of the Christian community. In a world filled with division and conflict, our faith calls us to be agents of peace and reconciliation.

In the first reading, we hear from the Prophet Ezekiel. He reminds us of our duty to be watchmen, not only for our own souls but for the souls of others as well. As Christians, we are called to be vigilant and to gently correct our brothers and sisters when they stray from the path of righteousness. This duty is rooted in love and care for one another, not in judgment or self-righteousness.

Our responsibility as watchmen extends to the broader community. We live in a world where people are hurting, marginalized, and in need of reconciliation. It is our role to be instruments of God's love, reaching out to those who have strayed, offering a helping hand, and helping to mend broken relationships. This is not always an easy task, but it is a fundamental aspect of our Christian calling.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus provides us with a practical guide on how to address conflicts and promote reconciliation within the Christian community. He outlines a step-by-step process that begins with addressing the issue privately and escalates only if necessary. This approach emphasizes the importance of preserving the dignity of the individual and maintaining the unity of the community.

However, Jesus does not stop at providing a conflict resolution process. He reminds us of the power of communal prayer. When two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them. This underscores the significance of coming together in prayer, seeking guidance and strength from the Lord, especially in moments of conflict and division.

As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded of the challenging times we live in. The world around us is often marked by division, animosity, and polarization. But as Christians, we are called to be different. We are called to be peacemakers, reconcilers, and agents of unity.

Living out this calling is not always easy. It requires us to set aside our pride and ego, to be humble and open to correction, and to extend forgiveness even when it is difficult. But in doing so, we reflect the very essence of Christ, who reconciled us to God through His sacrifice on the cross.

In our own lives and within our Christian communities, we must strive for reconciliation. This means addressing conflicts head-on, but with love and respect. It means seeking common ground and understanding, rather than division and discord. It means offering forgiveness and mercy, just as Christ has forgiven us.

Our faith is not a solitary journey; it is a communal one. We are all members of the Body of Christ, and our actions have an impact on the whole. When we engage in reconciliation and peacemaking, we strengthen the bonds of our Christian community and bear witness to the transformative power of Christ's love.

Let us take to heart the lessons from today's readings. Let us embrace our role as watchmen, caring for the souls of our brothers and sisters. Let us follow the guidance of Jesus in resolving conflicts within our Christian communities. And let us be instruments of reconciliation and peace in a world that so desperately needs it.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we always be mindful of our responsibility to live out the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. And may the grace of God empower us to be true ambassadors of His peace in our homes, our churches, and the world at large.

Happy Sunday