(Optional Memorial for Saint Jane Frances De Chantal, Religious)
[In the Dioceses of the United States]
[In the Dioceses of the United States]
 |
“Moses's Testament and Death” (detail)
by Luca Signorelli, 1481-82 |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
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Commentary on Dt 34:1-12
This passage from Deuteronomy describes the death of Moses and the conclusion to the entire Pentateuch (Torah). All that the Lord had said to him had come to pass. Reference is made to God’s promise of the land. This statement supports other references about the land to be given (see Deuteronomy 1:37, 3:25-27, 4:21-22, 32:48-52).
After the set period of mourning, Joshua assumes leadership of the people for the completion of their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Joshua’s installation as Moses successor was described earlier in Deuteronomy 31:1-8.
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17
R. (see 20a and 10b) Blessed be God who filled my soul with fire!
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Commentary on Ps 66:1-3a, 5 and 8, 16-17
Psalm 66 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. In the first part presented here, the psalmist praises God for His salvation, recalling the exodus from Egypt
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Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20
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Commentary on Mt 18:15-20
“Passing from the duty of Christian disciples toward those who have strayed from their number, the discourse now turns to how they are to deal with one who sins and yet remains within the community. First there is to be private correction; if this is unsuccessful, further correction before two or three witnesses; if this fails, the matter is to be brought before the assembled community (the church), and if the sinner refuses to attend to the correction of the church, he is to be expelled. The church's judgment will be ratified in heaven, i.e., by God. The section ends with a saying about the favorable response of God to prayer, even to that of a very small number, for Jesus is in the midst of any gathering of his disciples, however small.” [4]
CCC: Mt 18:16 2472; Mt 18:18 553, 1444; Mt 18:20 1088, 1373
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Reflection:
Scripture speaks of transitions today. First we encounter the story of Moses’ passing and Joshua taking up the mantel of leader of the people of Israel St. Matthew describes the transition of magisterial authority.
The Gospel is important. For us as Catholics, who trace our papacy back to the Apostles, this is Jesus giving authority to his successors to provide guidance as to what is right and wrong. It is the foundation of the Magisterium of the Church. Without giving this authority and charge we would have no evidence that the will of God was entrusted to those first disciples who in turn, through Apostolic Succession, hand on that authority to our Pope Francis.
Jesus also gives some very practical advice echoed in Paul’s letters about how to settle disputes among members of the community of faith. It is advice that unfortunately has gotten lost in our litigious society. It presupposes a unified Church since its authority assumes that excommunication would be a deterrent and the law of the Church would be “The” standard of conduct. (“If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.”)
The lesson should ring loudly for us. How often in our dealings with others, even with people whom we know as members of our faith community, do we take offense and sulk or devolve into petty squabbles? Should we not rather do as the Lord prescribes? Should we not take our problem directly to the person we perceived has done us an injustice and make that argument directly with them? (Haven’t we all heard that advice in the Confessional?)
If we examine the fundamental underpinnings of the rule the Lord gives the disciples we can see it is based on mutual respect and love of one another. Ultimately that is where he always pushes us. How can we say we love someone if we harbor a perceived hurt or injustice? It is like getting a sliver of wood in our finger. If we leave it in there, it is going to fester and become even more painful than the initial removal process. If we don’t take action to remove it even after it becomes painful, it can become infected. If we don’t take drastic action once it is infected, it can cause serious and permanent damage and in extreme cases, even death.
No, it is better to take that perceived injury to the person who caused it. Even if they don’t accept responsibility, then you have at least unburdened yourself of any resentment that might have festered. You have acted in accordance with your faith and you are given the opportunity to forgive the unrepentant which is something very Christ-like. We get great things and tough lessons from the Lord today.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “Moses's Testament and Death” (detail) by Luca Signorelli, 1481-82
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] See NAB footnote on Matthew 18:15ff
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