Weekly Missionary Reflection
23rd Sunday in ordinary time, 10 September 2023
Ezek. 33:7-9; Ps. 95:1-2,6-7,8-9; Rom. 13:8-10; Matt. 18:15-20
The life of faith is always related to social life. We should live what we believe through our words, actions, and deeds to others. Today’s scripture reading invites us to ponder this subject. In the first reading, Ezekiel wrote, “When I say to the wicked, “You wicked, you must die,” and you do not speak up to warm the wicked about their ways, they shall die in their sins but will hold you responsible for their blood” (Ezek. 33:8).
This revelation to the Prophet Ezekiel does not tell us to “spy on” other’s business, instead, we are asked to care for our neighbours. Our faith is the basis of our moral responsibility to the people around us, especially those close to us.In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus said, “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…” Jesus invites us to prioritize one-on-one rebuke. Despite this often being difficult for several reasons, a personal rebuke to the sinner is the right action. And if that way doesn’t work in the end, we are advised to involve other people. Yet, again, the sinner will always be involved.
Often we do the opposite. We are so enthusiastic when talking about other’s mistakes without that person’s presence. By doing so, we do not help our neighbor, instead, we make a new sin by gossiping about other’s mistakes.Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus invites us to love, and rebuking the sinner in person is showing our love to him. Even though all our endeavors of rebuke fail, as faithful, we are invited to continue praying for those who make mistakes, hoping that the grace of repentance will be showered on them. Let us reflect and look into each of us, and how we treat those who make mistakes. Let us ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we are enabled to boldly rebuke the sinners with love. God bless.
(Br. Kornelius Glossanto, SX – Xaverian Missionary)
DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER
Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.
Together with St. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church of this month:
For people living on the margins
We pray for those living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
For Forgiving Inspiration
We pray for our willingness to read and dig into the inspiration of the Scriptures for repentance, so we can realize that every single human has the right to be forgiven if he repents of his sin, and prays for forgiveness from the merciful Lord.
Amen.
Situs Resmi Karya Misi Kepausan Indonesia (KMKI) 