Matthew 18:15-20

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Psalm 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

“If your brother sins against you,

go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.

If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

If he does not listen,

take one or two others along with you,

so that every fact may be established

on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church.

If he refuses to listen even to the Church,

then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Amen, I say to you,

whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,

and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth

about anything for which they are to pray,

it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name,

there am I in the midst of them.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, help me to understand how my sin is a cause of division. Allow me to see exactly how it creates division within my family, within my community, and within the Church. With your grace, help me confess my sins, truly repent, and be restored to healthy relationships.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Reconciliation in the Church: In the Gospel, Jesus gave guidelines for dealing with sin in our Christian communities. If our brother or sister offends us, we should first tell them and seek to be reconciled with them. If they do not listen to us, then bring the testimony of witnesses of the offense. If they still refuse to listen, tell the Church. The goal here is to reestablish communion. If the person remains in their sin, they break themselves off from that communion. In contrast to those who sin against one another, Jesus refers today to another situation – those who pray together in Christ’s name. The prayer of Christ’s disciples is united to the prayer of Christ before his Father. When a child asks his Father for something good, the good Father will give them all that they need.

2. The Death of Moses: The passing and death of Moses took place near Mt. Nebo, located east of the Jordan River near the Dead Sea. The end of Deuteronomy looks forward to the leadership of Joshua, who will lead the people in crossing the Jordan River and the conquest of Canaan. The figure of Joshua prefigures that of Jesus, who will lead us to the river of Baptism, inaugurate the Kingdom of God, and open the gates to the heavenly Promised Land. The Book of Deuteronomy also acknowledges that no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses. Samuel, Elijah, and John the Baptist will all act like new Moses figures. But none of them equal Jesus Christ, who is the true New Moses, who gives the New Law of the Holy Spirit and Charity to the New People of God.

3. Psalm 66: Psalm 66 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. It calls all the earth to worship God and reflect on his works. It acknowledges how God tests his people and leads them to a place of abundance. It brings out how Moses has successfully led the people of Israel to the border of the Promised Land. “The speaker invites the world to sing of God’s greatness (66:1-4); he celebrates God’s gifts and miracles on behalf of Israel (66:5-6); he vows to offer the Lord sacrifices in gratitude (66:13-15); and he tells how the Lord rescued him from peril in answer to his prayer (66:16-20). Even Gentiles are invited to bless the God of Israel (66:8)” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, 883). Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection draw all people from all nations to worship the Father. All of Jesus’ mighty deeds and miracles mirror the Father’s power over all creation. Jesus invites all people to “come and see” God’s works and fulfills the psalm’s call to witness his deeds.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you have merited divine grace for me. Move my heart to repentance and conversion. Reconcile me with the Father and my brothers and sisters. I long to see your glory.

Living the Word of God: Is there anyone I need to be reconciled with? What caused the rupture in the relationship? Have I reached out to them? What do I need to do to repair and restore the relationship?