Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22; Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Matthew 18:15-20
Summary
Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth
about anything for which they are to pray,
it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them." (Mt 18:19-20)
This verse is better understood by the writing of a second century Rabbi: “When two sit and there are between them the words of the Torah, the divine presence (Shekinah) rests upon them” (Pirqê ’Abôt 3, 3).
Reflection
It is a jolting awakening to realize how many who profess Christ are unable to agree as to what to pray for. The conclusion might be that the Torah (the Word of God) is not the centering reality of their prayer. Thoughts not centered on the meaning and intent of the Word of God are easily drawn into conflict and division. In the rabbinic saying, the Shekinah—the divine presence—rests among those gathered around Torah; in Matthew, Jesus places himself in the midst of those gathered in his name.
What, then, is undivided in the Word? Reconciliation—with the Father, in Christ, and with one another. The agreement Jesus speaks of is not merely consensus; it is communion ordered toward reconciliation.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Personal Reflection
Let us agree: may our prayers – the center of our prayers – be for the reconciliation of people.
Note – this link will change to its proper name with the Date as the cycle of readings change every year.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/wednesday-nineteenth-week-ordinary-time
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry