When we think we cannot make someone correct their wrong path or their mistake—that is, repent—we remember that only God can do that.
It’s strange to see how many people today prefer to ignore the evil in the world. People see someone being mugged or beaten and don’t even bother to call the police. We see television reports about children dying of hunger in poor countries and say, “That’s not my problem.” This Sunday’s readings challenge this human attitude.
As a prophet, Ezekiel must call for repentance and conversion. God tells Ezekiel that he will be held responsible for the death of the wicked if he refuses to warn them against the evil they are doing.
In the Gospel, Jesus describes how his disciples should deal with sinners. His message teaches us what our duty is toward the sinner.
- First, it tells us that sin is our problem, and when we see it, we must take the initiative to stop it.
- Second, it tells us not to feel alone in this duty. When the sinner refuses to listen, we seek help.
- Third, it tells us to be persistent; not to give up easily on someone.
But what about that saying about treating the sinner who refuses to listen like a Gentile or a tax collector? On the one hand, the sinner should be excluded from the church, excommunicated, if he doesn’t repent. But on the other hand, Jesus never rejected tax collectors (like Matthew himself, who was called to become one of the apostles) or Gentiles. Jesus said that he came to call sinners, to save them. He loves sinners. And that is why we must confront them; not to punish them, but to love them. As we see in this Sunday’s second reading, “love is the fulfillment of the law.”
That is why the Gospel ends with Jesus’ words about the disciples praying together. When we think we cannot make someone correct their wrong path or their mistake—that is, repent—we remember that only God can do that. We can pray for sinners, including ourselves, and ask God to renew them because God never forces anyone to repent. On the contrary, God lovingly invites us, especially with the love Jesus showed by dying on the cross. May we learn to fight against evil, but with love.
May the Lord always give you His peace.
Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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