23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A
“If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” I am sure, after listening to this Gospel reading, you will say to yourself, that’s easier said than done. Confrontation with anyone in this modern age, is extremely difficult. One negative word towards another and the next minute your picture is being broadcasted on the local news channel. But sometimes, there comes a point where something needs to be said. The silence of the situation is just going to make things worse, and the longer we leave it, the worse it will be.
There has been a few situations in my past that a simple apology would have cleared the air, but none of us, would move from our stubborn self-centredness. As time went on, the situation festered, and a long-time friendship came to an end and ceased to exist.
As we all know, life is too short, and we all have to take seriously the duty of doing good. The love of our neighbour is the second most important commandment we are told to keep.
There is no perfect harmony between people all the time, however, we do expect a little pain to come our way – every so often. The Gospel brings to mind the delicate question of counselling to those who are misbehaving. It goes without saying that correction is never welcome when we hear it. Great caution must be exercised because the wrong word or the use of excessive language could cause more damage than the original fault.
Correction can also be embarrassing, as it may carry with it the risk of losing a long-established friendship. However, there are occasions when the failure to speak out, will lead to an ongoing practice of bad, or possible evil habits. In these situations what we have to say, should be expressed in a spirit of charity and love.
As some of you may know, I am the Catholic Hospital Chaplin, I remember on one occasion, I found myself shouting at a builder, who warranted much needed correction. It was during the summer heat wave, I was walking out of the hospital canteen and approaching me were three builders, who were also on their dinner break. One of these builders, a young chap, was wearing no top. He was bare chested. I was shocked to see that anyone would be half clothed in a professional setting like a hospital. I shouted at him – well … I raised my voice a little in annoyance, while I walked past, saying: “This is a hospital, at least put a top on!” Obviously, the young man grumbled to his friends and carried on walking. Funnily enough, I heard the other two builders, winding him up saying: “A priest has told you off.”
Obviously, I probably could have handled the situation better, I just hoped and prayed he manged to clothe himself probably later on.
We need to remember what St Paul said to the Romans: “Love does no wrong to a neighbour, therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.” If we can have the ability to be genuinely concerned about a situation, a little honesty can often clear the air and change the situation for the better.
None of us is perfect, so when we point out the faults of others, we should be prepared to hear about our own failings too.
I am sure if I walked around the hospital not dressed properly, I would definitely be on the local news that afternoon, with a 101 letters being sent to the Bishop or even the Safeguarding Office.
So today, let us ask the Lord for the grace to be peacemakers. Let us seek reconciliation where relationships have become strained, and let us be ready to offer and receive forgiveness.
As we place our prayers upon the altar in this Eucharist meal, may Christ heal any divisions within our hearts and within our community, so that together we may grow in His love and peace. Amen.
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