Daily Gospel Reflection for September 10, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

When I got married back in June 2022, my mom gave me this advice: Make sure that you don’t go to bed angry. Keep all lines of communication open between you and your husband. Disagreements are bound to come up—my husband and I certainly don’t see eye to eye on everything—but at least we know how to speak to each other and to listen to each other whenever arguments come up. At the end, we kiss and make up, and we go on with the rest of our day.

What Jesus is asking His disciples to do makes sense: If there is an issue that comes up, you address it directly. Don’t go behind that person’s back and spread what should be kept between you to the community at large lest it turn into something akin to rumors and gossip. It is hurtful to others and could turn what may have started as a small issue into a larger one that ends up becoming irreconcilable. If a one-to-one discussion fails, then try asking for one or two witnesses and so on down the line until the whole community gets involved. Expelling the offender is always a last resort.

This passage concludes:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

In the days of the early church, the community was stronger when they were united, and any divisiveness would have the potential to tear them apart. This is true today, and I see it very clearly with the Filipino communities of which I am a part. We often say, “The community that prays together stays together.” Their bonds of friendship are very strong as a result, and they are very supportive of each other.

Ponder:

When there is conflict between you and others, how do you resolve it?

Pray:

Gracious God, help us to know of Your love as we work to resolve conflicts between us. Help us to remember to forgive others as You have forgiven us.

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When I got married back in June 2022, my mom gave me this advice: Make sure that you don’t go to bed angry. Keep all lines of communication open between you and your husband. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Lyn Francisco

Lyn Francisco, an organic chemist by training and education, works with the Office of Undergraduate Education at Duke University. In her spare time, she occupies organ benches in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham.