Gospel Reflection for the 23rd. Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 10th – Sorry seems to be the hardest word say

Whenever and wherever two or more people are together, you can guarantee that there will be a differing of opinion on one or more issue. It’s only human nature that people will have a different point of view on whatever is being discussed. If the argument continues to worsen, someone inevitably is going to get hurt. When this happens, what is the next best step to take to restore unity between the warring parties?

In our gospel this Sunday, Jesus offers the early Christian community and us a step by step guide to restore some sense of unity. And this advice is straightforward enough. These words of advice are as relevant today as they were for those in early Church who first heard them. If someone does something wrong to you, go and sort it out between yourselves. This is to be a dialogue between the offended and the offender. Christians are to deal with each other face to face and personally. There is to be no gossip or rumours whispered behind peoples back. This encourages both parties to take responsibility for each other. If this does not work, then two or three others are to be brought in to try and sort the problem out. If this does not bring the disagreement to an end, then the case is to be brought before the whole community where it is discussed openly and publically. If this does not bring the matter to an end, then there is real problem.

Clearly the early Christian community were experiencing some difficulty with its members. They realised that following Christ meant dealing with normal disagreements and problems. The advice given in the gospel is for us here today and not just for those it heard first.

What I say and how I behave has consequences and affects people around me. I am part of the Body Christ and I am connected to all the others parts. This puts a huge responsibility one me; the welfare of the community is something I am asked to consider when talking to others and in how treat them. Jesus asks us to love each other, not like each other. We are to love each other as he loves us. If I love others, then I will do all I can to avoid hurting them. If I do hurt or offend someone, then it is my responsibility to go to the person and apologise. This is not easy. However, in the first reading St. Paul encourages us with these words of practical wisdom; ‘love is the only thing that cannot hurt your neighbour.’

Jesus is present to us and through us when there honesty, mutual respect and genuine concern for others. Jesus is with when we have the courage and humility to apologise when we hurt someone. Jesus is with us when we love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

• Michael Moore OMI