Called to Love and Forgive

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 06, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 33:7–9; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20

Prophet Ezekiel by Michelangelo

What often seems to be simple and easy becomes difficult and complicated. Our mind then takes a 360-degree turn to come back to our senses. We must simply do what we can without hurting others. There are no principles or particular mantras to put things in order. The only guiding principle is just do what you are supposed to do. There is no point in brooding over things and making unnecessary calculations and living in an imaginative world. The liturgical readings on this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time are simple, straight, radical and clear. Moreover, they give us a responsibility to shoulder in the everyday of our lives: to love and forgive. Jesus invites us to become bridge-builders rather than wall-builders, healers rather than judges, and instruments of reconciliation rather than agents of division.

1. Correct with Love and the Courage to Reconcile

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 18:15–20 speaks about a difficult but essential aspect of Christian life: how to deal with sin, conflict, and broken relationships within the community. Jesus does not ask us to ignore wrongdoing, gossip about others, or immediately condemn them. Instead, he gives us a path towards truth, reconciliation, and restored communion. Jesus says: “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.” 

How often do we do the opposite? Privacy is important today. Instead of speaking directly to the person who has hurt us, we speak to everyone else. We allow resentment to grow, and misunderstandings become deeper. Often we make things complicated because we humiliate another person or prove that we are right.  Love sometimes requires silence, but love also sometimes requires the courage to speak the truth.

2. Every Person is unique and a gift of God

Jesus proposes practical guidelines on how to reconcile with one's brother and sister. Often, conflicts or suspicion within families are too difficult to reconcile or heal. Perhaps blood relationships are so thick that healing becomes very difficult! Jesus speaks about how to mend the conflicts through dialogue. It must start with an honest conversation if there are two persons involved; if this does not work, then the community must be invited to help fix this issue. 

Jesus makes a very important point here about patience. Everything cannot be resolved very quickly. Quick in time saves nine. Yes, but not always. Everyone is important. No one should be dismissed very quickly. Before judging, rejecting, or excluding someone, we must make a sincere effort to understand, forgive, and reconcile.

3. Community is a place of reconciliation

In our families, religious communities, workplaces, and parishes, conflicts are inevitable. However, conflict need not destroy a community. When handled with humility, honesty, and love, conflict can become an opportunity for deeper understanding and growth. As Christians, we must always remember the words of Jesus: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Christ is present not only when we pray together but also when we genuinely seek reconciliation and unity. A family gathered in love, a community trying to resolve a conflict, or two people courageously seeking forgiveness can become a sacred space where Christ Himself is present. Unity is not simply the absence of conflict. True Christian unity is born when people are willing to forgive, listen, speak honestly, and begin again.

Questions for Personal Reflection

1. Do I carry unresolved anger or resentment towards someone?
2. What can I do to bring greater peace and unity to my family or community?
3. When someone hurts me, do I seek reconciliation, or do I allow resentment and bitterness to grow?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me the courage to speak the truth with love and the humility to accept correction when I am wrong. Free my heart from anger, resentment, and the temptation to judge others. Make me an instrument of reconciliation in my family, community, and society. May Your presence among us inspire us to forgive, understand, and love one another. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

Posted on 03 September 2026