23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 33:7–9; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20
Confront to Convert
A congressman, visiting the people of his district, was presented with petitions requesting police stations in their locality. At a public meeting, he commended the people for recognizing the need for community discipline. He saw it as a positive change in attitude. But the people themselves were simply seeking protection—searching for a way to feel safe.
And this is true everywhere: when quarrels increase and crime rises, people become uneasy. They begin to long for order, discipline, and peace. The Bible reminds us that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor 14:33).
To Build a Community
In the Gospel, Jesus outlines a clear process for settling conflicts (Mt 18:15–17). Discipleship is not only about prayer and worship—it is about the hard work of building community. And that community can only grow through reconciliation—often difficult, but always rooted in love.
Someone once said, “Sometimes God doesn’t send you into a battle to win it; He sends you to end it.” How true that is. We have all experienced conflicts—within families, among friends, even within the Church. Words are spoken. Feelings are hurt. Relationships are strained. And the question is: what do we do then?
Some allow hurt to grow quietly within them until it poisons the heart. Others seek revenge, turning small wounds into lasting divisions. Still others choose the easy way—gossip—spreading words that only deepen the pain. Scripture warns us: “A whisperer separates close friends” (Prov 16:28).
In 2015, Pope Francis warned that gossip divides the Church, comparing gossipers to “terrorists who throw hand grenades.” Strong words—but very true. Some even use power or influence to harm others. But all these responses are sinful. None of them heal. They only make things worse.
Human beings are made for community. We need one another. As the poet John Donne wrote, “No man is an island unto himself.” St. Paul expresses the same truth: “We are members of one another” (Rom 12:5).
So when problems arise—and they will—we must face them. We must work to heal them. Jesus gives us not just advice, but a clear path—a model for every Christian community.
The Four-Step Procedure
First, Jesus says: go privately. Speak directly to the person. Not behind their back. Not through others. But face to face, with honesty and charity (Mt 18:15). Sometimes, that alone is enough to heal the wound. Scripture says, “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” When correction comes from love, it can restore rather than destroy. “Let us speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15).
But if that does not work, then comes the second step: bring one or two others—people of wisdom and peace—who can help mediate (Mt 18:16). Their presence can calm emotions and guide the conversation toward truth and reconciliation. “Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prov 15:22).
As a wise Rabbi once said, “Judge not alone, for none may judge alone except God.” At this stage, the help of a counselor, teacher, or priest can be invaluable. If this too fails, then the third step is to bring the matter before the community (Mt 18:17). Not to shame—but to heal. The Church is not a courtroom—it is a family, a place of prayer, love, and restoration.
And finally, if the person still refuses to listen, even to the community, then separation may be necessary—not as punishment, but as a wake-up call. A chance for repentance. A chance for renewal. Jesus says that the goal is always to win back the person (Mt 18:15). St. Paul likewise teaches that the purpose of correction is restoration: “Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal 6:1).
Because unrepented sin blocks grace and weakens the mission of the Church. Yet even discipline must always have one purpose: salvation and reconciliation.
Is It My Business?
At this point, we may be tempted to say, “This is not my concern. It’s none of my business.”
But today’s first reading gives us a serious warning. The prophet Ezekiel is appointed as a watchman. His task is to warn the people when they go astray (Ezek 33:7). And if he fails, God holds him responsible.
This is not just for Ezekiel. It is for all of us. In every organization, discipline exists. When someone steals, action is taken. When someone refuses responsibility, there are consequences.
But what about in the Church? What about the one who has drifted away from Mass? What about the one who spreads lies or harms others? Who will speak? Who will care enough to act?
Too often, we remain silent. We excuse ourselves. But silence can be dangerous. Ezekiel reminds us that we are “watchmen” for one another (Ezek 33:7). St. Paul says, “Bear one another’s burdens” (Gal 6:2). We are responsible for one another.
Compassionate Correction
In a small village church, an altar boy once dropped the cruet of wine during Mass. The priest became angry, struck him, and said, “Leave—and never come back!” That boy grew up to become Tito, the Communist dictator of Yugoslavia.
In another place, a similar accident happened. A young altar boy dropped the cruet while serving a bishop. The bishop simply smiled and said gently, “Someday, you will be a priest.” That boy became Fulton J. Sheen. What made the difference? Not the mistake—but the response.
This illustrates an important biblical truth: “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Prov 15:1). Correction without love can crush a person; correction with love can transform a life.
So today, let us examine our hearts. How do we correct others? With anger—or with love? With pride—or with humility? Do we correct people to prove that we are right, or because we genuinely want them to become better?
Today’s second reading gives us the heart of Christian correction: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom 13:10). Jesus also commands, “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12).
Jesus calls us not just to correct—but to convert; not just to confront—but to heal. Let us follow his way—with patience, mercy, humility, and love.
And when we gather in his name, Jesus promises: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Mt 18:20).
Because when we choose reconciliation instead of revenge, truth instead of gossip, and love instead of condemnation, broken relationships can be restored—and the Church becomes what it is meant to be: a true community of love, healing, and communion.
