From the Administrator’s Desk

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus makes clear that when relationships between brothers and sisters in the Lord are damaged, then we must spare no effort to help the brother or sister at fault to see their error and to get things right again. If you feel you have been wronged by someone, Jesus says the first step is to speak directly and privately to that person, who has done the harm. One of the worst things we can do, is to brood over any grievance. This can poison the mind and heart, and make it more difficult to go directly to the person, who caused the damage. If we truly want to settle a difference between someone, we need to do it, face to face. If this fails, then the second step, is to bring another person or persons, someone who is wise and gracious to the table. The goal is not so much to put the offender on trial, but to persuade them, to see the error of their ways and to be reconciled to one another. And if this fails, then we must still not give up, but seek the help of the en- tire Christian community. Note the emphasis here is on restoring a broken relationship, by seeking the help of other Christians, who hopefully will pray and seek a solution for reconciliation based on Christian love and wisdom, rather than relying on anything else. Lastly, if even the Christian community fails to bring about reconciliation, then Jesus tells us, that we have the right to abandon hard headed people, who persist in their wrong doing, and that we should treat them as social outcasts. However, Christ wants us, not to give up on these individuals, but, instead to win them over with Christian love and prayer. Lord, make me an instrument of your healing love and peace. Give me wisdom and courage to bring your healing love and saving truth to those in need of healing and restoration. Amen.

Love and prayers for all eternity,
Fr. Neal, S.O.L.T.

Food for Thought!
Christ's cleansing power can remove the most stubborn stain of sin.

Stewardship Reflections
Am I my brother's keeper? All three readings today suggest that the answer for the Christian Steward is "Yes! " We are charged as followers of Christ to care for, to help others.