REFLECTIONS TODAY
Peter’s authority of binding and losing was given to him in the context of his profession of faith (Mt 16:19). In the context of the Ecclesial Discourse, this same authority is given to the rest of the Apostles (Mt 18:18). Thus, the power to bind and to loosen has become part of the apostolic authority.
This same authority is also shared with the Church, that God’s grace may be channeled to God’s people. Moreover, the context of this binding and loosening authority in today’s Gospel provides a step-by-step approach on how to deal with a sinning individual. In the end, it is the assembled Church that must intervene to correct an erring person.
Jesus says that if such person still does not listen to the Church, he must be treated like a pagan or a tax collector. However, we may further reflect on the way Jesus deals with the pagan and tax collectors. Jesus treats the pagan and tax collectors with mercy and love.
How are we as Church people? Are we doing our sacred duty to seek the lost? Are we instruments through which others are brought back to God?
Gospel • Matthew 18:15-20
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.