Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” – Matthew 18:15
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us that we have the duty to correct our brothers and sisters when they sin. When giving correction, however, we must be careful to do so in the way that Jesus intends. St. Augustine writes that “our rebuke should be in love, not eager to wound, but anxious to amend.” As with all things, the aim of our correction must be love, not to accuse or punish. It may be surprising, then, to read that Jesus tells us that “If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” How is this loving the sinner? We must look at how Jesus treats the Gentiles and tax collectors. Jesus doesn’t ostracize or exile them. Instead, he eats with them and pursues them, constantly seeking their reconciliation.
Reflection by Br. Augustine Kroeze, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections