A Christian Responsibility

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

06 September 2026

 

First Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-9

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Romans 13:8-10

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

 

Reflection

By: Jose Paulo Gonzales

 

“To err is human, to forgive, divine.” Credited to Alexander Pope, I would often see this sticker plastered across many rear windshield or bumper – a thoughtful reminder of how noble it is to forgive, but on the basic level, how common it is for all of us to make a mistake.

As a child being eased into the world, I would often get reminded to pay elders my basic respects: “O, magmano ka” (when it was still the norm especially within Filipino circles). In the household, we have probably seen the youngest member of the family doodling their masterpiece on the wall; a young teen blasting their music louder than others in the room can tolerate; or even the most seasoned of parents leaving cabinet doors open. All of us have our share of faults, enough that it has become customary to say “sorry” to acknowledge what we did and audibly express our contrition; but it is a different matter when the person who makes a mistake does not know what happened (i.e. ignorance). Depending on the severity of the fault, the aggrieved may simply choose to go on his or her way; but what do we do when the wrongdoer, after seeing something amiss to which they had some sizable contribution, ‘maintains,’ especially in earnest, that there is no harm done? Further, what do we do when the person repeats the same mistake?

Both the First Reading and the Gospel for today provide inquiry into the matter: when we receive God’s revelation, it is on ourselves to relay what God shared, so that others know what they need to do to participate, especially if there is something for which they must atone. If they do not want to repent for the wrong made known, the guilt rests upon their hands, and is extinguished from us, for we have done our part in reminding (although perhaps a certain sense of compassion would stretch some to remind further, again and again, very insistently; after all, if we must forgive others seventy seven times, should we not remind others just the same—as an act of love—so they can be forgiven?) Scripture is clear: our guilt is absolved when we admonish; another’s, if he or she repents; nevertheless, it is love itself that decides to go the extra measure: “Regardless of whether I am already free of guilt—what can I do to help the other person be forgiven?” This perhaps is when we become more Christlike—when we love, as said in the Second Reading. The Gospel shares with us more crucial insights into how to confront a wrongdoer. Telling someone his or her fault alone with only yourselves present is like today’s “Praise in public, criticize in private.” Letting confrontation remain privately between or among only those concerned addresses the issue while protecting the dignity of the parties involved; but in cases where the issue cannot anymore be resolved privately for the repercussions are wide-reaching, more so if the wrongdoer willfully does not admit to the mistake, the testimony of two to three witnesses establishes the more convincing claim of truth (in cases where the statements of more people hold a higher truth value). The solidarity exemplified here gives mention to two things: the importance of community—the Church—in maintaining discipline and how discipline, best handled privately with discretion, is ultimately a common social responsibility. After all, are we not our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? Finally, it is wonderfully heralded in the Gospel: the two, three, or many believers helping us make sure that we remain in God’s discipline and love resemble the same community God accompanies fondly in prayer. This tells us: we must always strive to keep the quality of our bonds especially as the Church, and the [best] way to live harmoniously together is through love… through God, Godself.

Prayer

God, thank You for Your Presence and for reminding us how important it is to preserve our connection as Your Church. May we all do our share in keeping the Church alive and extend Her reach especially to those who have yet to encounter Her closely.

We also commend to Your loving hands those ravaged by the monsoon rains and flooding, the current state of political affairs, and the rise in incidents of violence among schools in the Philippines, those devastated by flashfloods in China-Tibet and Nepal, those in Southeast Asia who sustain the diffusion of toxic fumes from peatland fires, and those around the world who are suffering the effects of war.

These, we ask, in Jesus’ most holy Name, Amen.