Reconciliation in a Perplexed World
A Reflection for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Ezekiel 33:7-9 | Psalm 95| Romans 13:8-10| Matthew 18:15-20
This Sunday, we are presented with Scripture meant to reveal the Christian disciple’s common mission. Like the prophet Ezekiel, we are responsible for teaching and practicing the ethics that proceed from faithfulness. Salvation, according to Ezekiel’s language, is meant for both ourselves and our neighbor. The daily decision to accompany one another will make all the difference.
St. Paul proposes an outstanding summary of our Heavenly Father’s commandments, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Rom 13:9). His words reveal the heart of Christlike ethical living. While he goes on to say such love fulfills divine expectations, it’s also very much true that a spirit of fulfillment will mark our own lives.
Jesus Christ is offering each one of us a vision of reconciliation, which is presupposed by a willingness to admit fault and also a desire to bring healing to one another. Although our faults can be a difficult topic to discuss with others, Christ is ready to mediate the conversation – begin with prayer and welcome his gift of the Holy Spirit. Once we admit our lives are often marked by common perplexity, we are better able to love our neighbors who suffer from many of the same confusing dilemmas and hardships.
Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the rock of our salvation. (Ps. 95:1)
*Artwork by A.G. Daniells, 1918 (Wikimedia Commons)