12 Get brother to listen

August 12

Gospel

Matthew 18:15-20

If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.

‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

‘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.’

Reflection:

In this Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to live in truth, love, and responsibility within a community. Correction is not meant to condemn but to restore a relationship and bring healing. Jesus also reminds us of the power of unity in prayer and the presence of God wherever people gather in His name. This passage shows that faith is not only personal but also lived out through honest relationships, forgiveness, and mutual care within the community.

Reflection Question:

How can I approach conflict or misunderstanding in a more loving and restorative way, rather than avoiding or reacting harshly?

Short Prayer:

Lord Jesus, teach me to speak the truth in love and to seek reconciliation with others. Help me to be humble in correcting and open in receiving correction. Unite my heart with others in Your name, and let Your presence guide all my relationships. Amen.

Comments

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