September 6, 2026: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sings 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.”
Reflection
In today’s gospel, Jesus gives us a framework to deal with harm and reconciliation within the community. If a sibling harms me, I am challenged to address it first with that sibling.
This alone can be a challenge in a culture of gossip, triangulation and revenge. Before I “call in” a community member, I have my own internal work to do. Ideally, this work allows me to find a place of compassion and willingness to reconcile.
Next, it is up to the one who “sinned” to listen. Each member is challenged to be accountable for their actions regardless of intention. If someone comes to me, can I listen without becoming defensive? Do I care more about my desire to be right than the well-being of my community-mate? Am I willing to be accountable for the impact of my behaviors on others?
If the two cannot agree, we have the gift of community to support our efforts to heal. We can call more and more members in to help.
At this point, it becomes a community issue. Here, Jesus explains the responsibility of the community body and leaders to do the work of reconciliation and to release anyone who cannot abide within the spirit and ways of the community.
If the agreement is to “loose” the member, we still treat them with respect and compassion, just as Jesus engaged “sinners” and tax collectors.
Finally, Jesus reminds us of the power of the community body when we gather and agree. Together, with the Spirit, we can co-create a more just and loving community and world.
Action
Are you currently experiencing a disconnection from a sibling in Christ? What is this gospel inviting you to do or be in the efforts of reconciling the world to Christ?
