In conversations with people, I have discovered over the years that everyone has been involved in dysfunctional behavior in their family either directly or indirectly. In an effort to solve this, a few are trying to talk it out between themselves, working to improve one’s behavior over time. Others may attempt an intervention to eliminate the problems. Some are more serious and require professional assistance.
In matters of our Christian
faith, our Gospel and readings this weekend illustrate either a full change to
make things right or suffering consequences both in this world and afterwards
by refusing to take action.
In the United States, at
least, people seem to thrive on individualistic success in the areas of wealth,
fame and power. Taking advantage of a
situation which may or may not harm someone is not so much a sin as it is
considered a smart play to get ahead.
How one leads their life is based on personal decisions. Sometimes it works in their favor and at
other times, not so much. So much for
the non-Christian population who don’t look past the earthly life they live.
We who are baptized Christians
have a different code to follow if we want to live beyond our earthly life in
eternal happiness. Love God with all our
heart, soul, mind and strength and others (no matter who they are) as Christ
loves us by dying on the cross for our sins and being raised from the death for
our salvation.
Living as a Christian seems
unfair at times, especially when we are hurt by someone who takes advantage of
our belief system. Aren’t we supposed to
be equal under the law of man and God’s?
Where is our relief?
St. Matthew’s Gospel today
offers a three-throng approach approved by God that helps us follow our path of
discipleship without sinning to get God’s point across of love, mercy and
forgiveness even for sinners.
If you are wronged by someone,
talk with him or her about what happened with the idea that the wrong can be
rectified. If he or she listens, peace
has been made. If this does not happen,
take step two, and discuss the matter with others listening to bring the
problem to a close. If the person still
does not agree, take the person to those in authority who can take action
against the perpetrator and issue punishment in whatever form is available.
If the person is a fellow
Christian, the same steps are still followed except for the last one which is
to bring him or her before Church officials where a decision could be made to
condemn the person with excommunication, a loss of God’s graces if they refuse
to cooperate with God’s ways
Let us take this week to look
into our lives to see if we are having difficulty with someone who is taking
advantage of us or if we are causing pain to someone because we believe we are
right about a difference of opinion. In
either case, take the first step by asking God’s help to reach out to that
person no matter what side we are on to see if it can be solved to save our
relationship with one another and God.
God offers us a road map of
love, mercy and forgiveness as the best path toward solving difficult
situations. Let us journey in God’s
footsteps for a solution versus the alternative of possible rejection and
unwanted consequences.
“Where
two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in their midst.” (Mt. 18:20)
Reading 1: Ezekiel 33: 7-9
Reading 2: Romans 13: 8-10
Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20
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