23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 18:15-20
If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother

Reflection
Matthew 18:15-20
POINTS TO PONDER

In many ways, we are keepers of our sisters and brothers. We have social responsibility in family and in neighbourhood. Jesus is saying something like that today. We have a responsibility for each other, for the common good. Parents may find this most difficult – to try to guide the family well and not lose them. We teach by example and by love. Even when children are young and making some mistakes, we hope they are not mistakes that last forever, like crime, alcoholism or an unplanned life-changing moment. We pray to God for help. This we do with others. We ask for guidance and find help in the community of the church and of others. That’s where God is – two or three gathered is the community of God. Church is the gathered people. God wants the best for each of us. We can help each other to goodness, we can support each other, correct each other, and help each other on our way to God.

Jesus promises guidance and his presence to his followers for all ages. If we gather in his name, he is with us. The ‘in his name’ is the relevant condition. That means openness to his word and the traditions faithfully handed on by his community of followers. It means openness to asking for wisdom and guidance and the humility to admit none of us has all the answers.

sacredspace.com • The Irish Jesuit Intercom