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WORD FOR MISSION
COMMUNION, RECONCILIATION and PRAYER XXIII Sunday in Ordinary Time Year “A” - Sunday 04.09.2005
Ezekiel 33:7-9 Psalm 94 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20
Reflections Why, and in what way should someone who has committed a fault be admonished? It is difficult to correct another person, and to do it well. It is easier - and happens more often - to talk to others about someone's defects and failures. Why not let them stew in their own juice, without the bother of rebuking them? What is the missionary attitude to take in such circumstances? It is very likely that the Gospel text of today on fraternal correction reflects concrete situations that occurred in the early Christian community for whom Matthew wrote his Gospel. The passage is part of what is called the ecclesiastical discourse (Mt.18), in which the Evangelist brings together several teachings of Jesus regarding relationships within the ecclesial community: greatness consists in making oneself small, scandal is a grave matter, seeking those who have wandered off, prayer in common, the forgiveness of offences and reconciliation (this will be the theme next Sunday), and the so-called "fraternal correction".
The objective of correction (Gospel) is to bring back and save the brother/sister who has committed a fault, or has gone astray. To make the admonition achieve its desired purpose, Jesus advises a step by step approach: first of all, at a personal level, one-on-one; then with the assistance of one or two persons; lastly, recourse to the whole assembly (vv. 15,16,17). Even in the event that the brother/sister listens to no one, and is treated "like a pagan or a tax collector" (v.17) it does not entail, nor does it authorise abandonment, but rather special attention towards such persons, as Jesus himself showed: he was "the friend of publicans and sinners (Mt.11:19; cf Lk.15:1-2). The key to understanding this 'stubborn preference' of Jesus is shown in the Parable of the Good Shepherd, who "leaves the 99 on the hillside and goes in search of the stray" (Mt.18:12). Jesus concludes the parable with a powerful statement: "It is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost" (Mt.18:14). This is the declaration that comes immediately before the text on fraternal correction. God desires more to forgive, and in greater haste, than a human person to be forgiven! It is indeed true that God believes that people are recoverable: this is the foundation of the hope of missionary pastoral concern for those far off; maybe with limitations and errors, but always with mercy. Hence it is urgent to reveal to everyone the true face of God, which manifests itself in Christ. *
God rejects the attitude of Cain who has no concern for his brother (cf. Gn.4:9); indeed, He makes us watch over others (1st. Reading) and holds responsible whoever does not speak out "to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways" (v. 8). This is not interference in the lives of others, but a fraternal presence, inspired by love and a sincere seeking of the good of a brother/sister. Because mutual love (2nd Reading) is the only debt we should owe to others; indeed, love "is the answer to every one of the commandments” (v. 10). Love for one another is the base on which fraternal connection is set. Even with all the risks this might involve, especially when it is a matter of admonishing powerful people. The martyrdom of St. John the Baptist was the extreme consequence of a proper and courageous rebuke of a king who was an adulterer and corrupt. Over the past few decades, especially in Latin America, there have been numerous cases of pastors and lay Catholics who have paid with their lives for their fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus, their defence of the rights of the weakest people and their denunciation of injustices. I is obvious that today's message does not refer just to small incidents in families or religious communities, but sheds a light on the behaviour of the Catholic (pastor or simple lay person) regarding those who are responsible for the greatest evils in society: perverse laws, social degradation, grave injustices, public scandals, etc. In the face of these, silence and refusing to be involved would be marks of weakness, cowardice and complicity.
This difficult service of fraternal correction, carried out in truth and love, becomes easier and more efficacious if it has the support of the community that lives in communion and prayer, thus enjoying the presence of the Lord, because they are gathered together in His Name (cf. Mt.18:20). This is the explosive missionary power of a community that lives a life of fraternity, reconciliation and prayer.
The Pope's words * “Not only young people, but the community and Pastors themselves too, must become increasingly aware of a fundamental fact for evangelisation: wherever God does not occupy the first place, wherever He is not known and adored as the supreme Good, the dignity of the human person is put at risk. So it is urgent to bring the man of today to 'discover' the authentic face of God, who revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. Thus, even today's humanity can, like the Magi, fall prostrate before him and adore him... Adoration is not a luxury, but a priority.”. Benedict XVI Angelus, Castel Gandolfo, 28.08.2005
In the footsteps of Missionaries - 5/9: Bl. Mother Teresa (Agnes) Gonhxa B. of Calcutta (1910-1997), a nun from Macedonia, outstanding for her care of the most abandoned. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, both men and women. - 7/9: Bl. Giovanni Battista Mazzucconi (1826-1855), a priest of the PIME missionary society. He was martyred on the island of Woodlark (Oceania). - 8/9: The Birthday of Mary, whose birth proclaimed joy to the whole world. - 8/9: Bl. Frederick Ozanam (1813-1853), French, and an example of love and holiness in a lay person. He founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help the poor. - 9/9: St. Peter Claver (1580-1654), a Spanish Jesuit missionary. For more than 40 years he served the slaves brought from Africa to the port of Cartagena (Colombia). He is the patron saint of the apostolate among black people. - 9/9: Bl. Jacques Desiré Laval (1803-1864), a doctor and a priest in the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. He was a missionary among freed African slaves in Port-Louis (Mauritius, Indian Ocean).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Editor: Fr. Romeo Ballan, mcci - Former Director of CIAM, Rome Website: www.ciam.org <http://www.ciam.org/> “Word for Mission”
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