23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Matthew writes in the last part of today’s Gospel that Jesus assures us of His presence among us. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20). When we come to church to worship God, Jesus is in our midst. When we sit around the table at home as a family and say grace, or pray together, Jesus is in our midst. Gathering in Jesus’ name means that He is our focal point; we are united together with Jesus in our midst.
The Gospel readings for today and for next Sunday are taken from Matthew’s Gospel which was written during the beginning of the church’s growth period and are focused on the believers’ relationship with each other within their community. For today, we read about a multi-step process outlined by Jesus for believers to reconcile with brothers and sisters who transgressed against them. Ultimately, the goal is to win over the people within the community by resolving conflicts and to have a communion with one another and with Christ.
Approaching a family member or a friend who wronged us is not an easy task and should be done gently and after prayer and reflection. We must examine our conscience to make sure that our approach is driven by love, truth, humility, and compassion. “I wish not merely to be called Christian, but also to be Christian.”, said Saint Ignatius of Antioch.
Paul captures the essence of being Christian. He writes in today’s New Testament reading: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8). Paul summed up all the commandments in a single saying: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9).
Loving my neighbor as myself is not conditional or selective. God calls us to extend our love to all his people including people who are different from us, strangers, people who are shunned or ostracized, even our perceived enemies we must love.
Do I have that boundless love in my heart?
“Lord Jesus Christ, who said to Your Apostles: Peace, I leave you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins, but on the faith of Your Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with Your will.” This is the prayer of unity that is recited at every mass before we offer each other the sign of peace.
Can I put this prayer into practice this week?
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.