Then Speak

Greetings on this the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; Romans 13:8-10; Matthew 18:15-20)

Summary

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:19).

The gospel portion today, A Brother Who Sins, sits between two related teachings:

1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (For the Son of Man has come to save what was lost).
2. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Jesus answers that forgiveness is to be given without limit).

Today’s gospel portion cannot be isolated without these two parables bringing a specific type of clarity.

When I say to the wicked, “You wicked, you must die,” and you do not speak up to warn the wicked about their ways, they shall die in their sins, but I will hold you responsible for their blood. If, however, you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, but they do not, then they shall die in their sins, but you shall save your life (Ez 33:8-9).

Today, Jesus describes a type of juridical process for dealing with disagreements. It is a documented process in practice by the Qumran community at that time. The NABRE says further: This three-step process of correction corresponds, though not exactly, to the procedure of the Qumran community; see 1QS 5:25–6:1; 6:24–7:25; CD 9:2–8 (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18?20=#48018020).

Whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, [namely] “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Rom 13:9b).

Reflection

OK. So if you are thoroughly confused by now – great!

If we string it all together, one may fall into a sort of despair. Like this: If your brother sins, you better tell him because if he dies in the sin and you do not warn him you are responsible. But everyone is a lost sheep in some degree and therefore we are to forgive 77 times (always). Applying the practical process used by the Qumran community and endorsed by Jesus, we arrive at a way of proceeding when we must speak.

Except, you forgot the ending piece…

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).

Before we gather, ask the four questions of oneself:

1. Am I focused on the right thing for the right reason? (the ideal).
2. Am I focused on the right thing for the wrong reason? (the trap – a projection).
3. Am I focused on the wrong thing for the right reason? (the misstep – wrong weight of offense).
4. Am I focused on the wrong thing for the wrong reason? (the hazard – other motives override all sensibilities).

Personal Reflection

Our psalmist comes to the rescue again!! Psalm 95 is prayed every day in the Liturgy of the Hours and for a good reason. If we insist on our justice and on correction, when we gather we start with:

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

And then we beg that all of us:

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.”
(Ps 95: 6-7, 8-9)

And most of all: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

A person wishing to correct another should first approach with the humility of one who also needs mercy. Then speak. There aren’t two species of people in Matthew 18. There are two sinners having a conversation.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090626.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry