23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
Ezekiel 33:7-9 | Psalm 94(95):1-2,6-9 | Romans 13:8-10 | Matthew 18:15-20
[…] and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17)
So, as good Catholics, we should shun those among us who refuse to practise the Christian precepts of “love for God” and “love for neighbour”, right?
Well, yes and no.
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary says:
This is a way of saying, let him be excommunicated, excluded from the community, a drastic step to be taken only in serious matters where the welfare of the community is at stake. (NJBC 42:115)
So if, for example, a member is abrasive and disruptive to the proper functioning of our ministry, despite all efforts to persuade him to the contrary, we should indeed “cast him out”.
But not permanently, like a “spawn of Satan”.
If he should show a willingness to reform, he should be welcomed back with open arms, just like the Prodigal Son, or even Matthew himself, who accepted Jesus’ call while he was still a tax collector (Matthew 9:9).
Indeed, the whole point of excommunication isn’t punishment, but an invitation to reconsider, reconnect and rekindle the individual’s love for God and neighbour.
Reconciliation is inconceivable always on the table, both for those who have gravely offended us…and we who have gravely offended God.
Lord, help us keep in mind even those who do not practise what they profess, for we too are sometimes guilty of the same. Remind us always that You want us all to be one, and so we in turn should not permanently cast aside those whom we deem unfit for Your kingdom, for Your call is always to return to communion. Amen.