HOMILY OF 23RD SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
HOMILY OF 23RD SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: LOVE
BY: Fr. Mike Olumba
Ezk 33: 7-9; Rom 13: 8-10; Mtt 18: 15-20
Reconciliation is neither weakness nor a lack of resolve. Fraternal correction is necessary for the proper conduct of our lives here on earth.
“Perfection is not of this world,” as the saying goes; and it is true that, throughout history, human relationships have been marked by jealousy, rivalry, and sometimes violence. There is no point in denying the very things that cause pain to the human heart, yet neither is there any point in painting an overly bleak picture of the painful reality of earthly life that fortunately also holds areas of light and clarity.
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“If your brother has committed an offence against you,” says this Sunday’s Gospel, “go and see him one-on-one” to talk about it and to accuse him of the offence.
(But why? It is possible that the offender didn’t realise that he had hurt the offended—perhaps by tossing a glass of water out the window at night without knowing that someone was passing by at that very moment. And in discussing with the “presumed offender”, the offended and the offender might eventually understand better the innocent situation. They may understand better the situation which implies that there was really no offence).
If this meeting yields no result, take one or two people with you so that the matter may be settled on the testimony of two or three witnesses. And if that is still not enough, then go to the church community, which can make a decision regarding the dispute.
There is clarity and realism in this text, but also the conviction that dialogue can prevail over self-righteousness. The tragedy of war always lies in the logic of escalation. Peace means, first and foremost, breaking the vicious cycle of blind violence, where the law of the strongest is always a law of death.
The Gospel invites us to dare to take steps toward reconciliation. Such actions are neither signs of weakness nor of softness. On the contrary, they possess the strength of love and the greatness of forgiveness. (At the end of the Apartheid regime, South Africa was compelled by reality/realism to establish a court (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) for judgment and, above all, for reconciliation. Following the genocide in Rwanda, the Rwandan state was likewise obliged to set up a similar court for judgment and, crucially also for reconciliation among the people, Hutus and Tutsi. Both nations concluded that enough blood had already been shed and that there was no need to spill any more blood at least among the simple folks).
Jesus goes even further: “If two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst.” And further still: “If two or three of you on earth agree to ask for something, [in my name,] you will receive it from my Father who is in heaven.” Presence and trust: these are the two pillars of every human relationship. If we were to view those we cross paths with or meet along life’s journey in a new light, it would mark the dawn of a new day, illuminated solely by the light of a love that reveals the truth of each person.
The Gospel invites us to walk on the path of reconciliation. A future is only possible where there is a desire to move beyond the disagreements and misunderstandings of the present and the past. This quest for unity is never easy; it demands much and requires commitment. Yet, it is the only way to avoid becoming trapped in self-righteousness and withdrawal into oneself among groups or peoples dealing with disputes and misunderstandings. Placing our trust in others and taking positive steps for reconciliation will always be more fruitful than the judgment of our hearts which leaves no room for other’s opinion.
St. Paul tells us that, because of fraternal love, we owe a debt that can never be fully repaid: love for one’s neighbor sums up the moral obligation we have toward others.
Let us pray, dear friends, that the Lord may once again show us the path of peace, reconciliation, fraternal correction, and forgiveness!
May he help us bring the message of peace and reconciliation to families and people that need it badly!
May we forgive others just as the good Lord has forgiven us in Christ—Amen.
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