It is striking that from Saint Matthew’s 18th chapter, which is on relationships within the community, the Church has chosen this passage. The first part is all about sorting out disagreements and about forgiveness. Despite the presence of Christ in the Christian community, there are disagreements and misunderstandings in every community and every family. The vital thing is to sort them out before they fester. So here we are given a safe process. We also get a reminder that Christ is present always in his community. So the decisions of the community will be considered binding in the sight of God. It is especially striking that the same promise is here given to the Church as had earlier been given to Peter: The authority Peter exercises is that of the whole Church.
Today’s Scripture: (Psalter: Week 3)
Ezekiel 33: 7 – 9
If you do not speak to the wicked man, I will hold you responsible for his death.
Response: Psalm 94.
Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
hail the rock who saves us.
Let us come before him, giving thanks,
with songs let us hail the lord.
Come in, let us bow and bend low;
let us kneel before the God who made us
for he is our God and we //
the people who belong to his pasture,
the flock that is led by his hand.
O that today you would listen to his voice!
‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as on that day at Massah in the desert //
when your fathers put me to the test;
when they tried me, though they saw my work.’
Romans 13: 8 – 10
Love is the answer to every one of the commandments.
Acclamation for the Gospel:
Alleluia, Alleluia. Alleluia!
Your word is truth, O Lord,
consecrate us in the truth.
Alleluia, Alleluia. Alleluia!
Matthew 18: 15 – 20
If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.
Prayer of the Faithful: R/. Lord, save us all
Read this weekend’s readings here:
Reading 1 – Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm – Psalm 95:1-9
Reading 2 – Romans 13:8-10
Gospel – Matthew 18:15-20
