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Saturday, September 5, 2020

23rd Ordinary Sunday, Year A, 06.09.2020

 Ezekiel 33:7-9 / Romans 13:8-10 / Matthew 18:15-20

It is said that a problem isn’t really a problem if it can be solved by money. 


That is quite true because as long as the solution to a problem is money, then the question is whether there is the money or not. 


So if the problem is hunger and what is needed is food, then what is needed will be money to buy the food and the problem is solved. It is almost as straightforward as that. 


That can be applicable to almost any physical and material problem. If money can solve the problem, then it is not really that big or that serious a problem. 


But a more complex matter would be human relationship problems.

 

As we know by now, human relationships are so complex and if there are problems, money may only solve part of the problem but certainly not the whole problem. 


Especially so when we try to correct someone or tell that person that what he is doing is wrong. We all know how difficult it can be. 


In the gospel, Jesus gives a rather straight-forward method of correcting someone or telling him that what he is doing is wrong. 


Initially it is one-to-one, and if that doesn’t work, then two or three others are to be called upon, and if that still doesn’t work, then it it will have to involve the community. 


And finally if all that doesn’t solve the problem, then that person is to be treated like a pagan or a tax collector. 


That seems straight-forward enough. But does treating that person as a pagan or a tax collector means to cut him off and don’t bother about that person anymore? 


We need to listen to Jesus as He says this: I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them. 


What Jesus said makes us aware of the power of prayer and the power of intercession, even if it is only two or three who are gathered in Jesus’ name. Because He promised that He will be there. 


The mission of the Church and our mission is for the conversion and the salvation of sinners and those who do not believe in God. 


We must believe that such prayers for sinners and non-believers are heard by Jesus because He said that when two or three agree to ask anything, then it will be granted by God. 


More so when it comes to trying to correct a person or tell him that he has done something wrong. 


We must have recourse to the power of prayer and also have recourse to the power of community prayer. 


Let us trust in Jesus and in His promises. Let us offer up our prayers at this Mass as well as during the online community prayers. 


The world needs to experience the saving love of God specially in these times. 


Money cannot buy that love. Only prayer and especially community prayer will open heavens and God will hear our prayers and rain down His love on us and on the world.