2017September 10,SUN23ORDA

2017September 10,SUN23ORDA

 1 EZ 33:7-9

1.       We are God’s watchman ( stewards) , we have responsibility over one another.

2.      Our responsibility include reprimand and correction over the faults of one another.

PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

ROM 13:8-10

1.       Love is the core and fulfillment of the law.

2.      Love neighbor as self is the fulfillment of love.

MT 18:15-20

1.       Forgiveness is  a great expression of love.

2.      Fraternal Correction is very important in living justly, and goes thru a process:

a.     Go and talk it over between the two of you.

b.      Get a witness ( 3 ) if unsuccessful

c.      Go to the Church for help .

3.      The power to bind and loose is given to the community.

4.      And the power of community (2 or 3) in doing things for God.

Good…

Today we celebrate the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time A and the Theme of the Readings today is the Fraternal Correction which is our responsibility for one another especially in the situation of conflict.

Fraternal Correction is very important in our lives because as human beings we experience Conflicts brought about by the differences in our personalities and behavior. And when we act without regard for others conflicts arise and when these conflicts are not addressed properly , there arise misunderstanding, grudges and hatred for the other.

Our World today is full of conflicts, The many chaos in our society, the hatred among different groups, and even the misunderstanding among members of our families bring much burden on each one of us and affects our relationship among each other. And when there is no proper communication among each other, among each group, these conflicts get worse and when added with gossips and selfish interest this conflicts turns into violence.  And this is our World today , a violent world because of selfishness, misunderstanding, and hatred.

As Christians, we are called to become responsible not only with ourselves but also to become responsible with one another. This call to responsibility is the basic call of our humanity. Let us remember the lesson of Cain and Abel,  that we have to become our Brother’s Keeper.

  Jesus  in the Gospel today gives us the process of good fraternal correction. Jesus follows the three basic process in dealing with conflicts: The first step is that: "If your brother sins against you,  go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” This is basic since only the two of you understand the situation of conflict and protect privacy of one another. However in the World today, if somebody had done wrong against you, the usual reaction is to tell others about the fault and the conflict becomes violent.

The Second Step is : “If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that 'every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.'.  This is to insure the fact of the problem. However in our world, instead of establishing the fact of the problem, people tend to gossips and alternative facts and this makes the problem worsen.

The Third step : “If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. This presents the importance of the Church since as Christians we are members of one Church and the Church has authority over us.

This responsibility over our brothers is also given to us by Prophet Ezekiel in the First Reading. Prophet Ezekiel makes us a God’s Watchmen, We are God’s Steward who is responsible for one another especially in the reprimand or correction of others who stray from  the path to God.

This fraternal correction is part of our love for our brothers and sisters. St. Paul in the Second Reading teaches us to love one another for love is the fulfillment of the Law. And taking responsibility for one another is a great expression of this love.

As Christians, this is our great challenge to live and love one another and especially to become responsible for one another especially in helping  one another to grow as mature persons and mature Christians.  AMEN.