Matthew 18:15-20 NRSVue

¹⁵“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one. ¹⁶But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷If that person refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Lord, this is your way of stopping tell-tales in the church. If I am sore about somebody, then the first person for me to approach is that person, with respect and kindness, whether it is a relation or acquaintance, a parish priest or official. So many people start by running to authority, expecting Big Daddy to come down with a stick. People write letters of complaint to Rome without having voiced their complaint to the one they are denouncing. That is the opposite of Christian behaviour.

Reflection
Whatever I do when I am upset, Lord, let me do it in charity.

Reflection
The presence of Jesus in the community is highlighted in these gospel words. In caring and challenging the offending member, in gathering together in his name, the Lord is present. One of the first words of the gospel was 'Emmanuel' - God is with us. The end of the gospel has Jesus' promise of being with us all days. In a church which may overemphasise the sacramental presence of the Lord, it is good to remind ourselves of the presence of Jesus among us all the time, in the heart and hearts of his people.

Reflection
In many ways, we are keepers of our sisters and brothers. We have social responsibility in family and in neighbourhood. Jesus is saying something like that today. We have a responsibility for each other, for the common good. Parents may find this most difficult - to try to guide the family well and not lose them. We teach by example and by love. Even when children are young and making some mistakes, we hope they are not mistakes that last forever, like crime, alcoholism or an unplanned life-changing moment. We pray to God for help. This we do with others. We ask for guidance and find help in the community of the church and of others. That's where God is - two or three gathered is the community of God. Church is the gathered people. God wants the best for each of us. We can help each other to goodness, we can support each other, correct each other, and help each other on our way to God.

Reflection
Jesus promises guidance and his presence to his followers for all ages. If we gather in his name, he is with us. The ‘in his name' is the relevant condition. That means openness to his word and the traditions faithfully handed on by his community of followers. It means openness to asking for wisdom and guidance and the humility to admit none of us has all the answers.

Reflection
I let my ideas of justice and fairness be worked on by Jesus' words. I resist engaging in an intellectual evaluation or a legal argument, and let Jesus' desire for harmony speak to my heart.