September 7, 2014 23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME THAT’S JESUS’ WAY! WE RESOLVE CONFLICTS! INTRODUCTION: Community life denotes a life focus upon God. Celebrating life with Him always calls for reflecting one’s incapacity to relate effectively with others. Should one’s identity in Jesus of Nazareth wrought fit in every member to be considerate to the needs of others? Community life is having Jesus’ teachings with whom the disciples have identified with. They stand up well with Jesus’ ministry as model of how to resolve conflicts of any kind as a Kingdom of God. Should one’s identity with Him wrought fit where God leads? Live the faith! Today’s Gospel, God provides solutions in every life’s journey toward wellness that embodies the life of Jesus in experience of His mission of salvation built upon one’s behavior of getting along with others. The Good News is from the 18th chapter of Matthew from verses 15-20 as I propose this title “THAT’S JESUS’ WAY! WE RESOLVE CONFLICTS!’’ GRASP THE LESSON: From the moment of truth to the moment of grace is drawing out a battle from within experiential dissatisfaction in community living. And to celebrate this grace moment in Jesus is by word and example He taught to live it. This is a more directed truthfulness of Jesus. From the moment of grace to biblical spirituality springs the practical moral teachings of Jesus. A series of practical procedures are gradually presented even how simple the conflict is. And even there are failures in the process what matter is God’s abiding presence. “Lord, help me live according to Your abiding presence. Little by little, step by step help me resolve conflict with the least hurt. If ever I fail allow me not to give up and gradually lead me move towards severe ones. As You always allow me to experience them call me to conversion. Jesus in my life correct in my wrong doings. Amen.” Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20): 15 Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. 16 If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you; the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. 17 But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector. 18 I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven. 19 I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them. THE MESSAGE: “If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother.” This is two selves alone in a one-on-one protocol. Alone and distinct are made to realize what God wants, “I have won back my brother!” “If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you; the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge.” The second stage to settle community conflicts is to seek help. There’s the commitment of trusted persons; its aim is for the common good. “If he refuses report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.” The Good News’ way of life is for the official leaders of the community to convene openly. The challenge is to show what transpired in the whole process. “Lord, I might be treated as “pagan and tax collector” i.e. who need wisdom and conversion. With this You can single me out and the community has the right to exclude me anyway. And I see it right but how I wish my life is in Your graciousness. Give me new richness in faith through Christ the Lord. Amen.” ACT AND RESOLVE: That’s Jesus’ way! Resolving conflicts is a win-win verdict. As a matter of binding and loosing the merited success is achieved. All are made to realize what God wants, “I have won back my brother!” Share! We resolve conflicts! Christ-like outlook is built upon trust and confidence. Harmony in relationship abounds when trust rests on abiding presence. The Lord is in our midst because we believe. Share! What courses of personal actions and/or community development will then be undertaken? CONCLUDING PRAYER: Let us pray, Father, I pray to help me put my trust upon You and in conflict undertaking. Confident to my faith I made to realize what You want, “I have to win back my brother!” My unshakable belief aims toward harmony. Although painstakingly threading tight rope difficulties may I not be arrogant in the exercise of authority through Christ. Amen. Father, forgive us when conflict arises. We avoid blaming ourselves when culprits are put upon their shoulders. Make us always realize what God wants, “We have to win back our brothers and sisters.” Help us live according to Your abiding presence. Forgiving others is the ideal You wanted us to affirm. All these we ask in Jesus. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:18:04 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015