Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Jesus said to his disciples…. Jesus spoke. He spoke a language his followers could understand. Yet, at times they did not understand. Some of the things he said were puzzling and even turned some of them away. A similar dynamic is true today. Jesus speaks to us. Though, we often need interpreters, scholars, and preachers to make his teachings understandable and relevant. Still, many get stuck, lose sight of him, and fall away.

Jesus said to his disciples…. Jesus had disciples. They followed him around, literally. He taught them about the kingdom of God, and about how to reach it. Jesus wants us to make disciples, too. In my experience, though, this is not so easy. Yet, Jesus gives an example of how to do it. He drew people to himself by his words and actions; he performed signs and miracles; he healed their infirmities and cast out evil spirits from their souls. He showed himself divine. As disciples of Jesus, we ourselves are called to be divine. With faith in Jesus, and by his power, we can be—and do even greater things. (see Jn 14:12)

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” (Mt 18:15) This implies confrontation. We do not like to confront people, usually. We do not want to hurt their feelings. We fear that they will not listen to us or react badly, even violently. We may fear that we ourselves will get worked up, lose our temper, or lash out at them. And then our efforts at making things better actually make things worse. Did Jesus understand this human predicament?

Yes, I think so. Jesus goes on to say, “If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen…” You are not alone. You do not have to do it alone. There is the Church, your fellow brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. There is the Holy Spirit, who has been sent and dwells among us. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Mt 18:20)

With truth and charity, we are to build each other up into a sacred temple in the Lord. (see Eph 2:21) And as Saint Paul says today, “Love does no evil to the neighbor.” (Rom 13:10a)

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB