“WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, THERE AM I IN THE MIDST OF THEM” (Matt 18:20)
⏰Wednesday of the Nineteenth Week of Ordinary Time (14 August 2019)
đź“–Deut 34:1-12; Ps 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17 (R.v.20a, 9a); Matt 18:15-20
My dear, the unity of all Christians is at the heart of Christ (cf. John 17:20-23). In further answering the question he was asked by his disciples on who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus directs our minds towards holding hands together as that would help us to achieve our goals in greatness better (cf. Matt 18:15-20).
Individualism is a disease that is killing most societies today. Most times, this is caused by ego, lack of trust and most times, unforgiving spirit. That is why Jesus began the pericope we are considering with a lesson on forgiveness and brotherly correction.
Considering the three stages of correction that Jesus proposed, one might be tempted to bow to the popular and dangerous philosophy that once anything reaches the third point, it hooks. But Jesus’ interest does not lie in treating the person who refuses to change as a Gentile (cf. Matt 18:17) but in winning the person over (Matt 18:15) and joining hands with him in communion with God (cf. Matt 18:18-20).
Are you in any way an agent of division in your community, in the Church, in your family or in your class? Are you the only wise man who knows the right thing that must be done, and only in the way you want it done? Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
May God lead you to greatness today as you resolve to shun all differences and work together with others in building up a community of love for Christ in your little way. Amen.
Have a great and lovely day ahead. Peace be with you.
