“Go and have it out with them alone, between your two selves.” Matthew 18:15
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus imparts invaluable wisdom on how to handle conflicts and disputes among believers with love and compassion. He begins by emphasizing the power of one-on-one dialogue. When someone wrongs us, we are not called to hold grudges or let bitterness fester. Instead, we are encouraged to engage in a private conversation, a conversation marked by humility, understanding, and love. Remember, “A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). It is in the spirit of humility, forgiveness, and love that we should approach those with whom we have conflicts, seeking not to condemn but to reconcile. Pope Francis once said, “Dialogue is born from an attitude of respect for the other person, from a conviction that the other person has something good to say. It assumes that there is room in the heart for the person’s point of view, opinion, and proposal.”
However, if the issue remains unresolved, Jesus advises us to involve one or two more witnesses, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. This step underscores the communal aspect of our faith, where we are called to support one another and work together to restore a brother or sister who has gone astray.
We can take extra steps if the individual still refuses to listen and repent, Jesus advises that the matter is to be brought before the church. Here, we witness the significance of the Christian community as a place of guidance, accountability, and discernment. It is the responsibility of the church to guide the process and bring about healing and reconciliation.
However, Jesus doesn’t stop there. He goes on to speak of the power of agreement in prayer. He tells us that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in their midst. This is a profound declaration of the spiritual potency of collective prayer and unity.
When we come together in agreement in prayer, we tap into a divine force. Our combined faith, hope, and love create a synergy that can move mountains and bring about God’s will. It’s a reminder that our prayers are not merely individual petitions but are strengthened when we join together in harmony.
“Do two walk together, unless they agree?”- Amos 3:3
1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
In a world marked by division and discord, today’s reading challenges us not only to love one another but also to actively work toward reconciliation and unity: to be peacemakers. It encourages us to prioritize peaceful dialogue in conflict resolution. We must remember that, in conflict resolution, the other person must not accept our view, however, we can seek for a balance. Unity is not uniformity! I dare, then, to say that we can achieve the grace of agreement and reconciliation in the recognition of our differences.
Friends, let us pray for a renewed commitment to engage in heartfelt and compassionate dialogue when conflicts arise within our Christian family. So that when we come together in faith when we unite our voices in seeking God’s guidance and blessings, we may become instruments of His peace and love.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forever, Amen.
Happy Sunday 🥳
Fr. James Anyaegbu
