Philip Raj A. csc –
Readings: Ezek 9: 1-7,10: 18-22; Mt 18:15-20
In the first reading, the prophet Ezekiel speaks about how the Israelites have fallen from true faith and turned away from God. At that moment, it was necessary for angels to mark the righteous who had been faithful to God, while those who were unmarked were to be subjected to death. God wanted the people of Israel to repent and come back to him, which is why he sent prophets to them—not to condemn them, but to make them aware of their transgressions and to call them back to God.
In the gospel reading, Jesus invites us to care for and offer friendly corrections to those who have gone astray. At times, we might hesitate to correct our friends for two reasons: either because we fear it might hurt them, or because we don’t want them to progress in life. Jesus, our Lord, questions and challenges both reasons. If we have true and genuine love for our neighbours, we will correct them. It’s not enough to save our own souls; we also need to work towards saving the souls of others.
Proverbs 13:24 says, “Those who spare the rod hate their children.” It is our bounden duty to confront those who are doing wrong and help them live their lives as beloved children of God. We have the responsibility to make people know that God loves them.
As Pope Francis said, “If you do not know how to forgive, you are not a Christian.” We are invited not only to confront others but also to forgive them if they have offended us.