Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Frater Bong Suganob SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Wednesday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Image source : Wikimedia Commons
At Grace Lutheran Church in Atlanta, worshippers annually celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one with what they call a “burning service.” Each member of the congregation brings to the altar a paper on which he or she has written failures, mistakes, hatreds, and ill will, along with resolutions for change in the new year. The paper is dropped into a flaming urn.
One year, two men who had once been friends but had quarreled over a business deal stood side by side at the altar. After dropping their papers into the urn, they turned to each other, shook hands, and reconciled.
This can be seen as a modern version of today’s Gospel — a communal attempt at reconciliation (Mt 18,15-20). Yet any true reconciliation begins not with fire on the altar but with the flame of forgiveness in the heart.
Jesus reminds us: “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24).
Too often, however, we are quick to condemn without listening, eager to expose another’s fault before the community. Is it because we want to appear better? Why do we sometimes find satisfaction in putting others to shame?
The truth is, it matters little who was right or wrong. What matters is that wounds fester on both sides, and collateral damage spreads. Only reconciliation can heal both parties. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
May we learn to transcend our foul animosities into fragrant forgiveness. For it is forgiveness that restores relationships, heals wounds, and reflects the love of Christ. “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37).
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