Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Romans 13:8-10
Matthew 18:15-20
Through the years, my youngest brother and I have shared bubble gum, chicken pox, punishments, tears and fears. When my Dad died, Chuck decided that, as the only remaining son, he was responsible for all of us. When I was not the focus of his attention, I found his attitude admirable. On the other hand, his single-minded determination to save me from myself sometimes “drove me up a wall.” Chuck still calls his expressed concern for my well-being “fraternal correction.”
There is little doubt that a loving and familial relationship makes correction both easier and more difficult. Fortunately, when Chuck and I disagree; the issue is seldom wickedness or evil. It is generally our differing versions of what he calls “street sense.” In the end, it is simply a little brother trying to protect his big sister.
The correction that the Gospel speaks of is first about a relationship of love that we share with another. We have neither the right nor the responsibility to correct everyone. When we care for the holiness and moral development of any one person, the quality of the total community is enhanced. Ezekiel saw himself as a prophet to individuals and the Lord asked him to be a sentry or watchman so that in saving individuals, the community itself would be delivered.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we have an obligation to speak out against injustice and sin. He uses the word “brother” and applies it to the intimate relationship we share with another believer. The measures we need to take are spelled out and the person who corrects in love is directed to persevere even to the extent of bringing the wrong to the attention of the community. It would not be unusual for one individual to make a mistake about the actions of another. The counsel of the community helps to insure that this will not happen. This is true today, too.
Those who love, correct…but not without prayer and not without guidance. Loving correction most often begins with a question rather than an answer. It takes time and there is no denying that it is “risky business.” Yet, love seeks to lead and to be led. It does not seek to dominate or be dominated.
As we gather before the altar, we pledge to help the community grow in holiness. We pray especially for those who are nearest and dearest to us. The relationship we bring to the altar is born of struggle and dialogue. We pray that it may ever be so. We need the courage to lead one another to the Lord.
The Jesus who is in our midst extends himself to each of us through loving and familial correction. Our acceptance of that correction is found in the forgiveness that follows the times when those we love make mistakes. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbor.
