Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Unites Me to His Body
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
How Do I Grow in Ability to Share and Receive
Blessed is he who is not attached to anything transitory or corruptible.. St. Maximus the Confessor
Growing in Grace
Mt 18:15-22
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. 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. 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. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 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.
Grace Prayed For
Gracious God, grant us the humility and patience of grace, that we may be instruments of your peace and reconciliation. Help us to approach our brothers and sisters with gentle strength, seeking transformation and renewal in ourselves and our communities, so that we may more fully live our baptismal promises and partner with Jesus in the renewal of all creation.
Reflection
This passage from Matthew (18:15-20) has always struck me with its layered intimacy. It begins with the intensely personal – a brother or sister sinning against you. It’s not some abstract sin, but a direct wound. The first step, Jesus says, is to go to them alone. Just you and them, in the quiet space of vulnerability. There’s no audience, no judgment, just the raw honesty of addressing the hurt. It’s a delicate dance, this confrontation in love. It requires humility, a willingness to listen, and the courage to speak the truth in love. The goal isn’t to win an argument, but to win back a brother. That phrase resonates deeply. It speaks to the value of the relationship, the desire for restoration.
If that intimate conversation doesn’t bear fruit, the passage suggests bringing one or two others. This isn’t about ganging up, but about seeking wise counsel, creating a space for accountability and understanding. It acknowledges that sometimes, we are blind to our own faults, and the perspective of others can be a gentle light in the darkness. It also acknowledges the potential for misunderstanding or miscommunication, and witnesses can help clarify the situation.
Then, the circle widens. If even the small group can’t find a path to reconciliation, the issue is brought before the church. This isn’t the imposing institution we sometimes imagine, but the community of believers, those who share a common faith and commitment to one another. It’s a call for collective discernment, a shared responsibility for healing and restoration within the body of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of community in our lives. We are not meant to walk this path alone.
The final step, treating the unrepentant person “as you would a Gentile or a tax collector,” is often misunderstood. It’s not an act of rejection, but a recognition of brokenness. In that time, these groups were often marginalized, outside the community. It’s a stark way of saying that sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships can’t be mended. It’s a painful reality, but it emphasizes the individual’s choice. Even then, the door is never fully closed to eventual reconciliation.
The passage then takes a beautiful turn. “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This isn’t about wielding some divine power. It’s about the power of collective prayer, the strength that comes from unity. When we come together in agreement, seeking God’s will, we align ourselves with the divine flow. “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.” What an incredible promise!
And finally, the most intimate and comforting of all: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” It’s a reminder that even in the midst of conflict, even in the pain of broken relationships, Christ is present. He is there in the vulnerability of the initial conversation, in the wisdom of the small group, in the collective prayer of the church. He is Emmanuel, God with us, always. This passage, though dealing with the difficult realities of sin and conflict, ultimately whispers of hope, healing, and the ever-present love of God.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
The passage outlines a process for addressing conflict, starting with a personal conversation and gradually widening the circle. Reflecting on this process encourages us to handle disagreements with grace and love, mirroring Jesus’s own approach. It encourages humility, patience, and a genuine desire for reconciliation, qualities that are essential for growing closer to Christ. By striving to handle conflict in a Christ-like manner, we invite Him into those difficult spaces and allow Him to shape our character.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post