Matthew 18:15-20 gives the guidelines for the way members of the Church should act in cases of a brother or a sister who sins. In all the steps of the process, the community has one goal: not to lose a sheep that has strayed. Read the article you find here and here and use the following as your guide for reflection.
1. The passage in Matthew 18:15-17 describes a situation where someone "sins" against another. Think of a case where you were involved in a delicate situation where you a member of your community of faith caused you offense. How did you react? What were your thoughts? How does your reaction compare with Matthew 18:15?
Reflect: Even when you are the offended party, the Church wants you to continue the work of reconciliation. The object is to gain the offending brother/sister back. Going back to your experience, what helped you or prevented you from being an agent of reconciliation?
2. There are cases where people are called in to intervene in, or sometimes are simply informed about, an ongoing dispute. Sometimes, the one who calls in a third party simply wants a sympathizer. Do you remember a situation where you were either the one calling for support or the one called?
Reflect. The witnesses in Matthew 18:16 were called in not to give evidence to the fault of the offending party, but to continue where the offended party has failed. They are to continue the work of reconciliation which the offended party may have failed to effect. Throughout this process, the object is not to lose a sheep who has strayed. Going back to your experience, what prevented you or helped you to become an agent or reconciliation?
3. The passage in Matthew 18:19-20 can be applied to different situations, but it is most applicable to a situation wherein a community of faith comes together to decide on a course of action (e.g. the decision regarding an unrepentant brother or sister).
Reflect. Is your community aware that it is continuing the work of the Lord whenever it comes together to decide on a course of action? What particular things do you do in a meeting to remind you always that you are continuing the work of the Lord?
