6 September     23rd Sunday of Ordinary time

First Reading Ez 33:7-9 Ezekiel is to be the watchman for Israel

Second Reading Rom 13:8-10 Love your Neighbour

Gospel  Mt 18:15-20 Find ways to win others over; prayer shall be answered

REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSA

It is difficult for leaders to call people to accountability. Such is the unenviable responsibility of pastors in the parish, coordinators of religious education, members of the parish council, principals in the school, directors of liturgical ministry, to name but a few. Disciples must also engage in the very difficult process of reconciliation. Differences of opinion, misunderstandings, and actual offences tend to alienate people. We see this happen in families, neighbourhoods, parish communities, workplaces. It is not enough to say that we must try to forgive from our hearts. The process of reconciliation requires significant movement toward the admission of guilt as well. Both the one offended and the offender must be willing to be transformed.

Gathering two or three together in prayerful collaboration is not as easy as it sounds. If collaboration is to be effective, we have to be open and honest about our opinions and our biases, and respectful of the opinions and biases of others. We must work for the common good and not merely for what we personally think is best. We must be willing to accept and implement decisions with which we may not totally agree, and we must live with them gracefully. All of this calls for unselfish love. Love fulfils the entire law only: when we honour our personal commitments and the personal commitments of others; when we value the life, dignity and reputation of others; and when we respect their possessions. It is only because love is so demanding that it covers all of our responsibilities.