Wednesday 12^th August – Wednesday of week 19 of the year

Reflection: Matthew 18:15-20

BE AT PEACE WITH ALL MEN

In the process of interacting with other human beings, there is bound to be disagreement at one point or the other. However, continuous peaceful co-existence must always be found amidst children of God. Disagreements must not be allowed to linger; they should be resolved as quickly as possible. The duty to ensure peaceful co-existence amongst us lies on everyone – both the offending party and the one who is offended.

Contrary to the worldly view that the offending party should be the first to seek reconciliation, Christ has placed a higher responsibility on us His disciples. In today’s gospel reading, He asks us to take the lead in restoring peace even when we have been hurt by others and to be willing to go the extra mile in ensuring reconciliation if the offender remains stubborn. When necessary, we are to involve other brethren in a bid to ensure reconciliation.

Dear friend, we are called to seek peace with all men. Take some moments to examine yourself today. Is there anyone around you whom you are not at peace with? Is there anyone who has hurt you so much and you find it difficult to forgive? To be at peace with God, we must necessarily be at peace with our brothers and sisters. Today, make conscious efforts to seek reconciliation and ask for the grace to be an agent of peace wherever you find yourself.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that you make me an agent of peace wherever I go that I may be called a true child of God. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 233– What sins must be confessed?

Under normal circumstances, all serious sins that one remembers after making a thorough examination of conscience and that have not yet been confessed can be forgiven only in individual sacramental confession.

HIDE A TREASURE: “If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back” Matthew 18:15 GNB

Today’s Readings: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 66:1-5, 16-17; Matthew 18:15-20