First Reading: (Ezekiel 9:1–7; 10:18–22)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 11)
R. The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
Gospel Acclamation:
God was in Christ
to reconcile the world to himself,
and the good news of reconciliation
he has entrusted to us.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: (Matthew 18:15–20)
Reflection:
At mass, the prieat told a story of a young firefighter who once shared an experience that changed his life forever.
During a house fire, he entered the smoke-filled building after hearing that a little girl was still inside. He found her frightened and hiding under a bed.
Seeing her, he gently called her name, reached out his hand, and said:
“Trust me, I have come to take you home.”
The little girl slowly reached out, took his hand, and was safely brought out of the burning house.
Later, the firefighter said:
“That day, I learned that people are not saved by fear alone; they are saved when someone cares enough to go after them.”
That story beautifully reflects today's readings.
God is never indifferent when his people are in danger. He does not abandon them. He reaches out to save, to correct, and to restore.
The first reading from Ezekiel presents one of the most dramatic visions in the Bible.
Jerusalem had become filled with injustice, idolatry and corruption. God's people had repeatedly ignored his warnings.
Before judgment falls upon the city, God commands that those who remain faithful, those who grieve over sin and long for holiness, be marked on their foreheads.
They are protected because they have remained loyal to God.
Then Ezekiel witnesses another heartbreaking moment: the glory of the Lord departs from the temple.
The temple was the visible sign of God's presence among his people. Yet, because of persistent sin and refusal to repent, God's glory gradually leaves.
This vision is not merely about ancient Jerusalem. It is a warning for every generation.
God never forces himself where He is not welcomed.
Whenever selfishness, dishonesty, hatred and indifference replace love, prayer and justice, God's presence is pushed aside-not because God stops loving us, but because we close our hearts to him.
What Do We Value?
The responsorial psalm also reminds us:
“The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.”
God's glory is greater than every human achievement, power or success.
We often chase wealth, popularity and comfort, forgetting that true glory belongs to God alone.
When we live for God's glory rather than our own, our lives become peaceful and fruitful.
Jesus Gives Us a Way to Handle Conflict
In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us a practical way of protecting God's presence within the Christian community.
He says:
“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.”
Notice what Jesus does not encourage.
He does not encourage gossip.
He does not encourage public humiliation.
He does not encourage revenge.
His first concern is reconciliation.
His goal is not to win an argument.
His goal is to win back a brother or sister.
Speak to the Person, Not About the Person
How different our world would be if we followed this teaching of Jesus.
Today, disagreements often spread through social media, family divisions, workplace politics and church gossip.
Instead of speaking directly with the person involved, people speak to everyone else.
Relationships break apart because pride replaces humility.
Jesus invites us to become healers rather than agents of division.
He invites us to love, to focus on reconciliation, forgiveness and mercy.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to bring people back, to faith, to the family of God, and to one another.
That is our role as faithful disciples of Christ.
“Where Two or Three Are Gathered”
Jesus gives us another beautiful promise:
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
The presence of Christ changes how we deal with one another.
If Christ is truly among us, there is no room for hatred, pride, revenge or gossip.
There must be room for mercy.
There must be room for forgiveness.
There must be room for reconciliation.
And there must always be a desire to bring the lost person home.
Like the firefighter who reached into the burning house for the frightened child, Christians are called to reach out to those who are wounded, separated, lonely or drifting away from God's love.
Not with condemnation.
But with truth.
With love.
With patience.
And with the hand of Christ.
Amen.
Have a wonderful day 😊
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