Daily Devotions

Being  a disciple of Jesus inevitably means a willingness to be corrected. We may well ask, how well do I receive honest criticism, particularly when others speak truth in love?

In Matthew 18:15 we come across such a situation when Jesus uses some tough love; ““If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If you are listened to, you have regained that one.”

This is all very well, but what if we are the one in need of correction?

In many ways, we are keepers of our sisters and brothers. We have social responsibility in family and in neighbourhood. Jesus is saying something like that today. We have a responsibility for each other, for the common good. Parents may find this most difficult - to try to guide the family well and not lose them. 

We teach by example and by love. Even when children are young and making some mistakes, we hope they are not mistakes that last forever, like crime, alcoholism or an unplanned life-changing moment. We pray to God for help. This we do with others. We ask for guidance and find help in the community of the church and of others. That's where God is - two or three gathered is the community of God. Church is the gathered people and God wants the best for each of us. We can help each other to goodness, we can support each other, correct each other, and help each other on our way to God.

The presence of Jesus in the community is highlighted in these gospel words. In caring and challenging the offending member, in gathering together in his name an realising that the Lord is present. One of the first words of the gospel was 'Emmanuel' - God is with us. The end of the gospel has Jesus' promise of being with us always. In a church which may overemphasise the sacramental presence of the Lord, it is good to remind ourselves of the presence of Jesus among us all the time, in the heart and hearts of his people.

Lord, this is your way of stopping tell-tales in the church. If I am sore about somebody, then the first person for me to approach is that person, with respect and kindness, whether it is a relation or acquaintance, a parish priest or official. So many people start by running to authority, expecting Big Daddy to come down with a stick. People write letters of complaint to Rome without having voiced their complaint to the one they are denouncing. That is the opposite of Christian behaviour. Amen