One of the many aspects of our faith that I find so compelling is the clarity of its teachings about how we are to live. Today’s readings remind us of an important teaching of our faith. It is found as one of God’s first teachings recorded in the Bible – in the Book of Genesis, the very first book of the Bible. Encountering Cain after he has slain his brother, Abel, God makes very clear to Cain that we are our brother’s keeper. Behind this commandment to care about our brother or sister’s earthly and spiritual wellbeing is a loving God who desires his children to flourish in this life and to share his joy for all eternity.
In today’s second reading, we hear these words from Saint Paul; they are simple and yet profound: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another. God is love, and he has commanded us to love our neighbor, to will their well-being. This doesn’t sound that difficult. Of course we wish our neighbor the best. Why wouldn’t we? But what about when we see others turning away from God or, more personally, we’re seriously hurt by someone? How do we respond?
Today’s first reading and Gospel make it clear that we are not to sit idly by. God tells Ezekiel very plainly that he will be responsible for the wicked one’s death if he does not try to dissuade him from his wicked way. And in today’s Gospel, Jesus gives specific instruction about how to correct someone who has sinned against us. Notice his words: Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. In other words, don’t gossip or complain about the behavior to anyone else. Confront the person directly – always from a position of love.
Is this easy? For most of us, the answer is no. Call it tough love, accountability, fraternal correction, or perhaps “speaking the truth in love,” as Saint Paul advises elsewhere in his letter to the Ephesians. Our Catholic tradition even lists this action among the spiritual works of mercy. You may remember that it’s called “admonishing the sinner.” Whatever we call our efforts to help inform our brother or sister that their actions are leading them away from God or from communion with us, our efforts must be motivated by mercy – by love. All these efforts have one aim: to win our brother or sister over, to bring them back into communion with God and with the Church.
Jesus acknowledges that there will be times when we encounter situations where fraternal correction seems fruitless. People are not always ready to change; we see that often in ourselves. That’s where the Church can be a powerful intercessor. Jesus tells us that if two of you agree on earth about anything for which you are to pray, it shall be granted to you by his heavenly Father. Sometimes, only God can change hearts. But as the Church, we can join together in powerfully interceding for them, asking the Holy Spirit to move their hearts toward reconciliation.
If, at the end of the day, reconciliation does not come immediately, Jesus calls us to treat the offender as we would a Gentile or a tax collector. So, what does that mean? At first blush, it may appear that Jesus is giving permission to banish the person from your life. After all, isn’t that what the Jews of Jesus’ time did with Gentiles and tax collectors? But, remember how Jesus treated the Gentiles and tax collectors. He went after them and gently, patiently invited them to listen to his teaching and follow his way. So, we are to recognize that the person who has hurt us is in need of more gentle care and concern so that, in the end he or she may see the light and have the humility and courage to repent. After all, isn’t this why Jesus came among us in the first place? As he began his public ministry, we hear Jesus proclaim: “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel”! We are all sinners and we are all called to repentance and to believe – and proclaim – the forgiveness and reconciliation God wants for all of us.
As we come to this Eucharist, let us come with gratitude that our God longs for the salvation of everyone. Let us give thanks that he has called us to play a small part in helping our brothers and sisters on their journey to heaven, and let us ask him for the grace to lovingly call one another to ever greater holiness.