23rd Sunday

The community of disciples founded by Jesus, was not a holy community of people. They were not free of imperfections, despite there enthusiasm, faith and love. They had moments of pride, unbelief and even betrayal.

They heard Jesus' rebuke, "If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone."  Leaving God and then seizing God annoys Jesus.

So it is today, still the same mistakes and habits appear in the church. Although it is not welcome, it is well that we are admonished and we learn to admonish others.

How do we do this today? In a world in which a sense of freedom and limitlessness is the standard? In a world in which many people want to be the model and  determinant of principles and methods for themselves? Where tolerance is sometimes poorly understood and the attention is rebuked without love?

How to admonish, and not to hurt, but to open our eyes to the evil caused by persuasion to improve? Why does it take so much forgiveness, friendship, discretion and strength to persevere in the efforts to improve ourselves and others?

First of all, we must admit and understand that we are sinners. Without doubting that God loves everyone equally without exception. To accept this love for my brother and I, even though we are weak, makes us equal in God' eye.

Second try to remain discrete. How many times instead of going to the person and talking about your feelings, you prefer to discuss those feelings elsewhere to others?

How many times instead of expressing your thoughts in a way that allows reconciliation and understanding, do we prefer to keep them to ourselves and let the feelings that bruised us spoil us from the inside?

That is why Jesus tells us this today, with a warning, that does not place Himself in the most favorable position. Afterwards this gentle admonishment, not rebuke, always helps us live in openness and sincerity, so that we may benefit from the road to forgiveness.

Edmund burke said, "evil doesn"t  need much to grow, just needs people to be quiet".

So let us build a community of love between us because "for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them".