Reflections on the readings for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 6, 2020): EZ 33:7-9; PS 95:1-2,6-7,8-9; ROM 13:8-10; 2 COR 5:19; MT 18:15-20
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Christ must be the center of our prayer. If we gather asking for what is good and holy and we entrust ourselves to God’s will and grace.
The readings for today ask us to look at our responsibilities as Christians and about our relationships with one another, as well as with our Lord. In the Gospel passage from St. Matthew, we learn that Jesus wants His disciples to be willing to speak up when another sins out of love and concern. Our beloved Savior expects us to use discretion in such a situation. He certainly does not want us to be judgmental or view ourselves as superior or without sin. But Christ does ask His followers to take our roles as members of His Church seriously. If we need to talk with another person about a difficult matter, we must only do it with compassion, humility and justice so that he or she understands why change is necessary. The goal is for them to recognize their sin, and for their heart to be converted.
Jesus goes on to speak with His disciples about prayer. “Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by My heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19-20). Christ must be the center of our prayer. If we gather asking for what is good and holy and we entrust ourselves to God’s will and grace, He will certainly answer us. We need to pray together in true unity as brothers and sisters. Then our Father will give us what we need for the sake of His Son who is in our midst. God wants us to accept the fact that we are all of us sinners – and that He stands ready to forgive every single repentant person and to show mercy at all times. Let us thank our Lord for bringing us ever closer to Him through prayer. Let us entrust ourselves to His wisdom and mercy.