Promoting Reconciliation Through Dialogue And Mutual Love

Readings: 1st: Ez 33, 7-9; Ps 94, 1-2.6-9; 2nd: Rom 13, 8-10; Gos: Mt 18, 15-20

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico. He is the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canóvanas, and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was the chancellor of the Diocese of Fajardo Humacao, Puerto Rico. Fr. Canice is a member of the Academy of Homiletics. For more details and comments contact him at: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com

(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8452-8392)

Today, the twenty-third Sunday of ordinary time, the holy mother church reminds us of our responsibility towards one another and our society. Most importantly, she reminds us that dialogue and mutual love is the best method to promote reconciliation.

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In the first reading, God reminds us, through Prophet Ezekiel, that we are responsible for one another. This is especially true regarding counseling and warning others of the consequences of their actions in order to save them. It takes love to warn, counsel or advice someone. So, we are to do this with love.

To say that we have a responsibility towards others is also to say that it has a consequence for us too. Therefore, the Lord says: “I will hold you responsible.” We must speak out, counsel, and even warn our brothers and sisters, children, friends, and relatives when they miss their path. Being indifferent to the decay (especially moral, cultural, and spiritual) in our family, society, or community could be detrimental in the future. So, the onus lies on us to be our brother’s keeper. This is what God is saying.

Unfortunately, today while things go wrong, some of us prefer to keep quiet, join the majority, or pretend nothing is wrong. We must make ourselves heard. This is because the indifference or silence we display today might haunt us tomorrow. However, we must be mindful that God says: “I do not delight in the death of a sinner…let him repent and live” (Ezek 18, 23). So, whatever action we take must be to correct, rebuild, and bring back the one on the wrong path.

In the second reading, Paul hits the nail right on the head: “Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love.” We must take note of the adjective “mutual” with which Paul qualified love. The quality of this love is not just a mere selfish feeling or desire to satisfy oneself. Instead, it is that which thinks and cares about the good and welfare of the other.

It can ultimately be known through the actions it prompts in us. This means it must be a relational love that cares, love that is ready to give, and love that reasons. It is mutual love because it takes and shares responsibility. It counsels, accepts good counsel, corrects, and accepts corrections. It is generous and helps the other see clearly. It is love at its best in 1 Cor 13. It is simple, responsive, and responsible.

In the gospel, Jesus gives us the principles of reconciliation. This means that conflicts are inevitable. They must come and are inevitable in relationships, families, and communities. However, the question is how do we resolve them amicably? It is important to note that dialogue is at the center of Jesus’ principle. Ability to counsel and talk over issues, to see things from the perspective of others, or to empathize with others.

Hence, Christ gives us a three-dimensional principle of reconciliation. First, we must sit down and dialogue one on one and face-to-face. Then, seek the mediation of a good friend, and finally, seek the mediation of our community or family. As Christians, how do we resolve our problems today? Take a pound of flesh from the other, or go straight to the court of law? We must note the three basic steps that Christ gives us today.

Unfortunately, today, we neglect all these basic steps and go straight to: “treat him like a tax collector.” Before this, if necessary, we must make all efforts to reconcile with others through dialogue. Dialogue fosters mutual respect for the other; it saves us a lot of energy, time, and the cost of lawsuits. Finally, it fosters mutual love and restores relationships. When we dialogue and agree, God, seals it with a great amen.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!