23rd Sunday of the Year (A)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) Years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

September 7, 2014
Liturgical readings
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 95
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20

"Where two or three are gathered in Christ's name, Christ is with them."

This Sunday's passage from Matthew's gospel is divided into two themes in the Jerusalem Bible translation: fraternal correction (Mt 18:15-18) and prayer in common (Mt 18:19-20). Three passages previous to Mt 18:15-20 speak on the themes of God's kingdom, avoiding sin, and compassion for the sinner. Then the two succeeding passages to Mt 18:15-20 speak on forgiveness of injuries and the practice of mercy. The three previous passages and the two succeeding passages act as a framework for Mt 18:15-20 and provide the context to help hearers and readers understand the social implications of this Sunday's gospel - social implications that require compassion for the sinner, forgiveness of injuries and fraternal correction.

Misunderstanding one another is part of political, economic and social life. Even St. Jerome and St. Augustine of Hippo had their differences. They corresponded angrily with one another over just one scholarly detail in their understanding of the faith. But despite the mutual suspicion between the two, both Saints worked out their differences. And it was their desire for reconciliation and peace in Christ that earned them their haloes. Eventually, both were able to discern what God wanted of them. All the faithful can learn from their good example: how both hurdled their intellectual feud and managed to reconcile in Christ. All Christians can work out differences in any conflict by focusing attention on Jesus as the source of reconciliation. Peace is possible in Christ Jesus. Time, prayer, and the wisdom from above are important.

"Where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them". Prayer unites minds, hearts and souls in Christ. And this is the very reasons the Eucharist is a very important Sacrament. In religious communities, members often take time for retreats and recollections to help iron out the differences among themselves. And the Eucharist often is the ultimate antidote to the spiritual poison that divides communities into factions and cliques. Families also do the same in their own creative ways. And parishes also take time to form their members of the process needed to forgive one another and to correct one another with charity. It is done without force, anger or pride. Christ is present in the Eucharist. He is the source of all correction from vices; He heals all hearts from the cause of war.

Scripture quote:
"If two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it should be granted you by my Father in heaven. Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst."(Matthew 18)