Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95; Romans 13: 8-10; Matthew 18: 15-20
The readings of today are so beautiful. I am resolved not to get carried away by their fascination, I want to make my reflection as concise as possible.
The three readings focus on human relationship.
THE FIRST READING
The first reading reminds us of our duty to tell the truth to others. When we observe a danger, we are bound to call people’s attention.
Let us note that our work is not to be preoccupied with what is going on in the lives of others, our vocation is not to be judging the lives of others. However, the Lord wants us to know that indifferentism is also not an option; we are responsible for and to one another. If God enables us to see something that needs to be addressed in the life of someone, we have a divine mandate to help the person by calling his/her attention to it.
THE SECOND READING
The second reading reminds us that it is not enough to tell people the truth or to correct anyone; it must be done with love. All of our actions or inactions must be animated by charity. What we say, think or do to others must be done in love.
For instance, the difference between discussing a person and backbiting or gossiping is love- one is done with pure love, the other is not.
THE GOSPEL
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us of the need to be at peace with others.
This peace comes through love, humility, forgiveness, sincere openness and truth.
If someone has wronged you, go and have it out with him alone. This simple principle implies at least three things:
- The first step to address an issue is by having a meaningful dialogue
If someone wrongs you – don’t react by sullen silence, grudges, by backbiting, by seeking revenge, by reporting to authorities.
When some parishioners notice anything that calls for attention in the Church or in the priest, they report straight to the bishop. There is no iota of charity in this. Jesus didn’t tell us that when someone wrongs us, we should begin by reporting him or her everywhere or to authorities, we should begin by having a sensible and charitable dialogue.
- We must always be approachable.
To be approachable means that we are open to correction, we are not angry when corrected, we are able to have a sensible dialogue, we do not see those who differ from us as enemies, that we are humble enough to accept and apologise when we are at fault and to make amends where necessary.
III. We must also know how to approach people.
When some of us feel offended by others, we approach them angrily, with perceptible bitterness, sometimes disrespectfully or imprudently and sometimes in a condemning manner. This in itself is a wrong approach.
Let us again call to mind what St Paul said in the second reading, everything must be done in genuine love.
I suppose I should stop here and let the Holy Spirit re-echo this message in our hearts and empower us to put it to practice.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on September 6, 2020