THE PATH TO LOVE AND RECONCILAITION

 

Homily for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scriptural Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-9, Romans 13:8-10, Matthew 18:15-20.

 

In the gospel reading of this 23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus lays out a practical guide for resolving conflicts within the Christian community. He teaches us the steps of reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of fraternal correction and the power of communal prayer. The fact that Jesus speaks about the process of reconciliation indicates his profound understanding of human nature and the inevitability of misunderstandings and quarrels in our relationships, whether they are with our family, friends, colleagues, or even within our faith communities. These conflicts are not always anomalies; they are products of our fallen nature. In any relationship where there are no occasional moments of friction, then, it is possible that one party is enduring and suffering silently.

Our different backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and personal weaknesses make conflicts almost inevitable. While conflicts are generally perceived to be negative, most often, conflicts and misunderstanding can also serve as opportunities for personal and relational growth. Through the process of resolving conflicts, we can learn more about ourselves and others. We can develop greater empathy, patience, and understanding. These situations can ultimately strengthen our relationships if approached with love and humility.

In the gospel reading, Jesus says “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone” (Matthew 18:15). This first process or step emphasizes three things. The first is that humility is at the heart of the reconciliation process. It takes humility to admit our own faults without being defensive, and to approach someone with love and understanding even when we are the ones offended. Childlike humility involves letting go of pride and ego, making room for reconciliation to flourish. The second is the importance of dialogue in reconciliation. It encourages open and honest communication, allowing room for understanding and forgiveness. The third is the importance of addressing conflicts directly and privately without the involvement of a third party. It is important to talk to the individual directly rather than talking about them, that is, gossiping or talking about them behind their back. Speaking directly to the person involved allows for a deeper understanding of their perspective and can lead to a more meaningful resolution.

If the private conversation does not resolve the issue, Jesus advises bringing one or two witnesses along (Matthew 18:16). These witnesses should serve as impartial observers who can help mediate and provide additional perspectives. Involving witnesses prevents miscommunication and can create a more objective view of the situation. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of conflict resolution within the Christian community. If the issue still remains unresolved, Jesus suggests bringing it to the attention of the Church or the Christian community (Matthew 18:17). This step highlights the communal responsibility for maintaining peace and unity within the faith community, going back to what Ezekiel is emphasizing in the first reading (Ezekiel 33:7-9). As a Christian community, we are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding one another in faith, just as Ezekiel was tasked with warning the people of their sins.

If these steps still do not succeed in brokering peace, Jesus suggests that we treat the person as a pagan or tax collector. On this fourth step, most people usually understand taking the other person as a tax collector to mean that we should give up or treat the person as an outcast. Not at all! Taking someone “like a tax collector or pagan” means treating the person with the same mercy and compassion that Jesus extended to tax collectors and pagans, acknowledging their need for conversion and reconciliation. It underscores the Christian call to love and seek the redemption of even those who have offended us.

Dear friend, forgiveness is the cornerstone of reconciliation. When we forgive, we release ourselves from the burdens of anger and resentment. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This reminds us that our forgiveness from God is intertwined with our willingness to forgive others. Reconciliation is not just about resolving conflicts; it is about healing. It mends the broken bonds of relationships and restores peace and unity. When we engage in the process of reconciliation, we experience the profound grace of God’s love working through us. It is not always easy to forgive, but in the end, it always worths it. May God grant us the courage and humility to forgive and love one another as Christ has loved us.