Readings: Ezekiel 9:1-7,10:18-22, Ps. 113:1-6, 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 acknowledges that people can sin against their fellow human beings; when such happens, there could be confusion about how to respond to someone who has hurt you.
- In this passage, Jesus also acknowledges that when offended, one might not be moved immediately to forgive one’s offender. 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 concluded by mentioning that it would be granted when two or three agree to ask anything in His name. This means that reconciling with one’s offender is important for effective prayers. How do we agree in prayer without first forgiving one another?
- Before taking the steps Jesus outlined, we must self-examine by asking these questions: Have I refused to admit my fault? Have I acted rationally? Did I say or do things I shouldn’t have due to anger? Am I being too attached to the passing things of this world? Do I feel that what has been taken from me is something I cannot do without? Do I believe that I can never find happiness without taking a pound of flesh from my offender? Self-examination is important because it helps look inward before pointing fingers at others. By seeing our faults, we are more likely to act and speak rationally and avoid escalating the issue.
- The first step Jesus recommends is to “go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” (Matthew 18:15). Note that this is a reconciliatory move; Jesus did not say go and quarrel (fight, insult, pour out your anger, or beat them up), He said ‘go and point out the fault.’ The person may not even be aware they have offended you. We often assume people know what they are doing, but the reverse is the case. This is why Jesus prayed for his killers, saying: “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34).
- Many quarrels can be solved at this first stage if we point out the fault gently. Find a way to communicate your pain without necessarily offending the person or escalating the issue. In another passage, Jesus said: “Make an effort to settle the case, or you may be dragged before the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you in prison.” (Luke 12:58). Avoid the mistake of discussing someone’s fault with others without first meeting the person one on one.
- 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). 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). In summary, Jesus wants us to make an effort to win back one who has sinned against us, but if they refuse, we are free to let them be. We cannot force reconciliation; having done your part, leave the rest for God.
- 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 judgement 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.
- Today, we remember St. Maximilian Kolbe. In 1941, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz, where he continued to work as a priest and offer solace to fellow inmates in terrible circumstances. When the Nazi guards selected ten people to be starved to death as punishment, Kolbe volunteered to die in place of a stranger. He was later canonised as a martyr. St. Maximilian Kolbe’s life demonstrated what it means to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls. Seeking to reconcile with one who has sinned against you is a form of martyrdom in the sense that it requires letting go of our pride in waiting for the offender to come and ask for forgiveness. May St. Maximilian’s sacrifice serve as an inspiration to us in dealing with our offenders. Amen.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give us the wisdom to act right and forgive when someone sins against us. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest, Martyr. Bible Study: Ezekiel 9:1-7,10:18-22, Ps. 113:1-6, Matthew 18:15-20).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu