In each of our readings this weekend, we encounter a challenge: do we choose to correct someone with love, or do we choose to enflame the difficulty between us?
The Gospel is not encouraging confrontation, and certainly not revenge! What Jesus is speaking about is conversion of hearts and healing wounded relationships. He instructs: first, “… go and tell him his fault between you and him alone…” Work, peacefully, to repair the hurt. Who was wrong? Well, that is the wrong question, because usually both parties to an argument have some amount of wrong in their words or actions.
When Jesus directs to “… tell the Church…,” He is presuming that there is a relationship of love between the two who are at odds. After all, a shared communion in the Church invites us to a close relationship in our shared baptism. In this sacred bond, we become brothers and sisters, each adopted and chosen by God as His beloved children.
Saint Paul echoes this sentiment in the Second Reading: “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another…” What Paul is teaching is that we have an obligation to love one another, which is exactly what Jesus’ taught in many places within the Gospels. This message is found also in the First Reading from the Prophet Ezekial: “You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me.” Ezekial goes on to state that if we do not warn or work to correct our brothers and sisters, then God will hold us accountable for their loss; he goes on to write that when we do offer correction, even if they ignore it, we will be saved.
Our Responsorial Psalm holds a key to understanding and acting as God has instructed: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” This is a call for repentance. Biblically, repentance is based on the word “metanoia”, which means to move “beyond our mind.” We cannot extend true repentance and conversion of our own hearts if we don’t change our direction; we must break free of what our minds may suggest – revenge, punishment, anger – and pursue only healing and a repaired relationship with those whom we love … remembering that we are called to love everyone: friend, family, and even enemies.