Reflection for Sunday 6th September, 2026

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

On Forgiveness and Correction

This Sunday is unusual because the 3 Mass Readings are on the same theme … forgiveness and correction. I think it is a pity that the Readings are not interconnected every Sunday.

First Reading

Ezechiel warns the people of the likelihood of an invasion of Israel by the Babylonians. It will be the duty of every person to act as a sentry. And anyone who fails to correct an errant sentry must share in the guilt of that sentry. “O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.” (Today’s Responsorial Psalm).

Second Reading

Paul reminds us that all the commandments are summed up in one sentence. “You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.” Love is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. (1 Cor 13: 6) Paul also wrote that “God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.”

“You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.”

Today’s Gospel

Today’s gospel treats the correction of somebody as a community responsibility. “If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you.” It might be a family community or a community of friends. Many years ago, I accompanied a confrere to a session in a Rehabilitation Centre. One man in the group had an alcoholic problem which he staunchly denied. Then one after another, his coterie of family and friends lashed into him by recalling the embarrassing occasions he caused at weddings or other occasions. He tried to laugh it off until suddenly he buried his head in his hands and burst into tears. This sort of correction is called tough love.

Correction in kindness

Cardinal Roncalli of Venice (later Pope John XXIII) paid a visit to a priest who was giving scandal. On seeing his bishop at the door, he must have expected what we call a belt of the crozier. No, what they had was a friendly chat until the Cardinal knelt before the priest and asked him to hear his confession. He reminded the priest of his vocation and ministry. He was one who would not break the bruised reed or quench the smouldering flax. Taking correction is not easy, but remember that it is the Lord who speaks through those who come in his name to offer us correction.
O that today you would listen to his voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 94)