(See the readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Broken relationships and the need for healing are always present in our imperfect world. We find the need in families, schools, parishes, towns, cities, countries, workplaces, playgrounds, and social spots. As human beings we long for the healing, to be made whole, to be reconciled and to find peace.
About 20 years ago a gentleman started a national “Get Over it Day” as a way to “move on” from the broken things in life that bother us. The day is actually observed on March 9 though I’m not sure how popular it is. The motivation seems well intended but it can only go so far in helping people. Sadly, focusing on “getting over it” doesn’t get to the heart of what is needed for inner peace, contentment and serenity. The essential elements get lost in the lingo.
Jesus reminds us of what these elements are as He speaks in this Sunday’s Gospel. The passage from the Gospel According to Matthew comes from a section that deals with life in communion, life in the Church. The first part deals with cases where one member does harm to another member. The offense is not mentioned nor are specifics on how to address the particularities of the issue. However, the need for healing and the importance of mending the relationship are stressed in the four steps outlined.
First, the person offended is to address the issue directly, and privately, with the offender. If that does not bring resolution and peace, then it goes to a wider group of two or three witnesses. If that does not bring reconciliation and healing, then it goes to an even wider group, the Church.
The emphasis here is that healing needs to take place. Great and earnest effort must be applied to the healing process. Compare this with “get over it,” which seems to involve “dismissing” the issue or person causing the problem. Jesus’ approach involves dialogue and engagement.
While the relationship is not always healed, as Jesus himself recognizes, the healing that the offended needs comes in the sincere desire and attempts. What is needed, although Jesus does not mention it in this passage probably because it is presumed because He speaks of it throughout His ministry and preaching, are mercy and forgiveness.
The prophet Ezekiel addresses a similar but broader situation. Here the person in need of assistance is the “wicked one.” The offense is not listening to God’s word. It is important to consider that God’s way is the path of life and righteousness. The person identified as the “wicked one” is on a road to harm either seen or unseen; to himself or herself; to another or to the community.
The bond that unites the Israelites requires them to help the person. Similar to Jesus’ teaching is the need for healing to take place. Ezekiel likewise emphasizes the responsibility for members of the nation to assist in the process by helping the person “to turn from his way.”
The importance of unity is also seen in Jesus’ instruction on prayer that concludes: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Perhaps this teaching is related to the first one. The difficulties involved in such a process of healing, especially if the wounds are deep or the obstacles to healing involve obstinacy, could be very powerful. In this case, recourse to Jesus who is present here in the communion of two or more will bring what the individuals cannot on their own.
St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans reminds us that all the commandments of the Lord are based on love. Love is the foundational command for the Church and her members. In summarizing the teaching he quotes Jesus: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” And adds: “Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” The efforts toward reconciliation, healing and/or correction are all to be practiced in love.
The communion that Jesus establishes in His passion, death and resurrection is to be cultivated, strengthened and fortified through love. We might think of the prayer He makes as He prepares for the passion: “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me” (John 17:20-21).
Healing is needed when the bonds of communion are damaged or broken. Jesus directs us today to work together, with His help, to heal those wounds.
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Msgr. Joseph Prior is pastor of St. Dorothy Parish in Drexel Hill and a former professor of Sacred Scripture and rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Read more reflections by Msgr. Prior here.
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