Today’s readings center on how best to address the problems that arise within the local church, in particular on the issue of brotherly or sisterly correction. Ezekiel, whom we heard in our first reading, insists that just as a sentry is duty-bound to warn of approaching danger, so he, the prophet, must warn those who persist in wickedness of the consequence of their actions. If his language sometimes seems harsh, it’s because the issue is so serious.
Indeed, in some ways Ezekiel’s words foreshadow Jesus’ own teaching, as presented to us in today’s Gospel. There He reminds us that we have a familial duty to do what we can when a brother’s or sister’s behavior causes offense, especially when it is a threat to the well-being of the community. The first step is to deal with the matter privately and informally, in the hope that it will result in a peaceful settlement. It is far better to have the courage to speak with wrongdoers face to face than to gossip about them behind their back. If that fails, stage two is to get the assistance of a couple of others; it will be more difficult to reject the advice of two or three people than that of one. Finally, as a last resort, the matter may have to be brought to the community. This may have to be officially acknowledged. However, excommunication should be rare, and should be used not as a punishment but rather as encouragement to the wrongdoer to return to the fold. If, as the Gospel puts is, such a person is to be treated “like pagan or a tax-collector”, that does not mean that the community are to wash their hands of him or her. On the contrary, just as pagans and tax-collectors were a special focus of Jesus’ ministry, so Jesus teaches us to include them in the community’s mission also.
The second reading puts things into perspective: St. Paul teaches us that “Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbor.” Christian correction makes sense only when it is done in the spirit of love: there may be times when we are called to practice the love that cares enough to confront, to challenge and even to oppose. Whenever we have courage to oppose what is evil we are involved in the Church’s task of binding the evil forces that oppress people, loosing the bonds that prevent them from living the fullness of life in God’s kingdom. The Christian is called to love enough to speak uncomfortable truths at times – but always in humility and love. The final words of today’s Gospel apply not only to communal prayer but also to every honest attempt to restore peace and harmony within the community: “where two or three meet in My name,” Jesus promises, “I shall be there with them.”