23rd Sunday in Ordinary TimeReadings: Ezekiel 33:7–9; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–7, 8–9; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20
Today’s readings remind us that Christian love is not passive: it makes us responsible for one another. Through Ezekiel, God appoints the prophet as a watchman, showing that we cannot simply say that the choices and suffering of others are none of our concern; love gives us a responsibility for what happens around us and sometimes requires the courage to speak the truth. Yet before correcting others, the Psalm warns us, “Harden not your hearts.” We must never become accustomed to our own sins, because a heart that no longer recognizes its own need for conversion can easily become harsh in judging others. Saint Paul gives us the principle that must govern everything: “Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour.” We must therefore never grow tired of loving, even when love has been disappointed, misunderstood, or wounded. Jesus makes this very concrete in the Gospel: when a brother sins against us, the first response is not condemnation, gossip, rejection, or revenge, but a sincere attempt to regain the brother. Even after negative experiences, we are asked to try again, because reconciliation is more important than proving ourselves right. This does not mean ignoring wrongdoing or pretending that wounds do not exist; genuine love seeks truth, conversion, healing, and communion. And Jesus promises that wherever people make this difficult journey together in His name, He Himself is present among them. In the end, only love can truly make things right, love courageous enough to speak, humble enough to recognize its own sins, patient enough not to give up, and merciful enough always to seek the restoration of the other. Let’s reflect: When I am hurt or disappointed by others, do I withdraw into judgment and resentment, or do I remain responsible for love, seeking with Christ the truth, healing, and reconciliation that can make things right?
Don Giorgio