FORGIVENESS SERIES
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Forgiveness Series Icon |
COMMUNITY IN THE FORGIVENESS PROCESS.
The Gospel of Matthew 18:15-20 provides a
profound insight into the nature of interpersonal relationships within the
community of believers. At the heart of this teaching lies the imperative of forgiveness,
a theme that resonates deeply within the Catholic tradition.
"If your brother sins against you, go and
tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have
gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along
with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three
witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he
refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax
collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, I say
to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done
for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my
name, there am I among them.”
The first thing that strikes one when
reflecting upon this passage is the importance Jesus places on open
communication. When hurt by another, Jesus advises seeking reconciliation
through dialogue. This direct approach is not only about addressing the sin or
hurt but also about restoring the bond of brotherhood.
However, the path Jesus recommends isn't
simply about confrontation; it's about conversion. The hope is that by addressing
the issue privately, the wrongdoer will recognize their fault and amend their
ways. Thus, the process of forgiveness commences.
If that private dialogue fails, then the
matter escalates – witnesses are brought, and if the person remains obstinate,
the whole community becomes involved. Here, Jesus underscores the gravity of
preserving unity in the community and the lengths to which we should go to
maintain it.
Labelling someone as a “Gentile and a tax
collector” might seem harsh at first glance. However, in the context of Jesus’
ministry, even Gentiles and tax collectors were recipients of his love and
compassion. They were those in need of a deeper conversion. Thus, even in
setting someone apart, the community does not abandon them but recognizes the
need for a deeper level of engagement and prayerful intervention.
Jesus’ assurance about whatever is bound or
loosed on earth resonating in heaven signifies the profound spiritual impact of
our earthly actions. In the sacrament of reconciliation, this becomes particularly
evident in the Catholic tradition. When priests absolve sins, they act in
persona Christi – in the person of Christ, highlighting the divine nature of
forgiveness.
Lastly, the affirmation that Jesus is present
when two or three gather in His name reinforces the communal aspect of
forgiveness. It is not just a matter between the wrongdoer and the one wronged.
The whole community, in seeking the will of the Father, participates in the
process of healing and reconciliation.
From a Catholic perspective, this passage
deeply resonates with our understanding of community, sacrament, and divine
mercy. We are reminded that forgiveness isn't passive or strictly private
between ourselves and God, but requires effort, dialogue, and a sincere desire
to uphold the unity of the community. Our sins, weaknesses and failures have an
effect not only on ourselves but the community.
In our interactions with one another, we mirror God's endless mercy and
are called to replicate that forgiveness in the world.
When I was at Mass a couple of weeks ago when
this Gospel was read, a homily was given which I thought you may find most
helpful. The homily is given by FrJustin Uzabeaga MGL who discusses a helpful process for forgiveness.
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