RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS
Introduction: Today's liturgy invites is to take the first step towards reconciliation and forgiveness when we are hurt and upset by unfriendly and hostile behaviour of another. It is indeed very hard. We know from our past experiences. But Jesus assures us that He is with us and His divine presence can ensure the things we think difficult and humanly impossible to do.
First Reading: Ezekiel 33: 7 to 9
Second Reading: Romans 13: 8 to 10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 15 to 20
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord God asks Ezekiel to be the watchman for the house of Israel. He is given the duty to warn all wicked people in the land. The instructions given to Ezekiel by the Lord God are applicable to all the leaders who are chosen to play a prophetic role in the community. He/she has the duty to speak against all forms of injustice and evil in the community and to correct the erring members.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul reminds the Christian community at Rome about the pre-eminence of the law of love in all situations in life. He affirms that the practice of Christian love fulfils all other commandments and prevents a person from wrong doing.
Healing broken relationships Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part, Jesus gives some important and relevant guidelines regarding the duty of a Christian and the community in correcting an erring member in a gentle and delicate manner. The instructions of Jesus are simple and straight forward. The offended person (not the offending one) should be the first one to seek reconciliation. The Christian community should resolve internal conflicts with one another privately and in a personal manner. The purpose of this open personal meeting is in no way to humiliate or cast aspersions on the offending person but to be reconciled with him/her. This reconciliation process is to regain the brother/sister who had a break in relationship. It is solely for restoring the broken relationship and not for denouncing or to put blame on one another. That is why Jesus says: "If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." (Matthew 18:15). In the second part of the Gospel, Jesus assures us His divine presence wherever two or three are gathered in His name. These words of Jesus encourages us and strengthens us to be a part of a caring, forgiving and praying community. In this context, St. Augustine says: "The fruits of charity are joy, peace and mercy; charity demands beneficence and fraternal correction." Pope Benedict XVI says: "Today we have to learn all over again that love for a sinner and love for the person who has been harmed are correctly balanced."
Conclusion: A few months ago someone told me that in their family, parents have not spoken to each other for the last 7 years. They are living under the same roof. Seven years, just imagine the terrible situation. This may go on till they die. All because no one wants to take the first step to reconcile. Let us try to iron out our differences whether it is in the family or outside of it, in a brotherly, Christian way. Reconciliation is very hard and we feel the pain of it. But that is the only way we can live in a truly Christian way.
May the Lord Jesus, who taught us how to be reconciled with one another in conflict situations in life, bless you and grant you the grace to forgive everyone unconditionally. Amen.
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