First Reading: Dt 34:1-12; Psalm: 66. R. v. 20a. 9a; Gospel: Mt 18:15-20

SEEK RECONCILIATION

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

People can hurt us unintentionally having no idea that they did. And sometimes we react in an irresponsible way going about angry while our offender goes about freely unbothered. Jesus reminds us today of the need to let our offenders know of their fault against us because perhaps they may be unaware of their wrong. This could quickly initiate reconciliation between the two or more parties and save us from any further harm.

But Jesus also acknowledged that offenders could be difficult to deal with at times. And so he encourages that when we try this first step of reconciliation and it yields no fruit, we should not relent but take further steps to ensure reconciliation. We can involve two or more persons (likely a close friend or relative to the offender) to help in this regard. If this second attempt also fails, we can take it to the authorities of the Church. Perhaps the offender may listen to the priest and other leaders of the church. All these efforts remind us that reconciliation matters and that we are called to be agents and co-agents of reconciliation.  

But should all these attempts fail, Jesus encourages that we should treat such person like a Gentile or a tax collector. To understand this last submission of Jesus, we can quickly ask: “How would Jesus treat a Gentile or a tax collector? Jesus would hope that they repent because he never ceased preaching to them. So when our offender refuses reconciliation, we should devote our time to pray for their conversion hoping that they would realise their faults some day. A true disciple should not seek revenge but should be an agent of peace and reconciliation.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to love and to forgive. Amen.