FAITH MOMENT REFLECTION

In today’s gospel, Jesus expresses what we might call “tough love” today. He tells us that if someone sins against us, we should first discuss it with that person privately. In other words, avoid bad-mouthing and gossip. If we can’t reach an agreement—if the person doesn’t want to listen—we should then bring in one or two others from the family or community to assist us in resolving the problem. If that doesn’t work, we can involve others as needed to help the situation. If the wrong-doer still won’t listen, as a final resort, we distance ourselves from them. What Jesus suggests is not to punish but to bring someone to his or her senses. It is an act of love to do whatever one can to help another person return to a right relationship with God and others. We don’t give up. We give the person time to reconcile and change.