READINGS AT MASS TODAY
Ezekiel 33:7-9
Psalm 95
Rom. 13:8-10
Matt. 18:15-20
Theme: THE WATCHMAN
Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...
Stationed on the city wall of the town, the watchmen of ancient Israel were accessible not only to the events of the fields outside the city walls but also to some dark secret within the city walls. He observes the daily lives of the people from his vantage point. He sees their activities in the streets at night and closely observes their work, habits, and lifestyle.
For this reason, the watchman must take an oath of secrecy not to speak of his observations within the city. He is free to advise or warn persons involved in any immoral actions but not talk about it to anyone apart from those involved. The implication is that speaking about such secrets to outsiders will be damaging. Seeing your brother's sin is therefore a burden and not a privilege.
In the Gospel text for today, Jesus proposed the first step of a reconciliation process to be the one devoid of an outsider. For Jesus, this is the best and the most appropriate step in dealing with issues of understanding. It is only after exhausting this step that the involvement of an outsider, a third person, must be considered.
As spiritual watchmen like Ezekiel, the prophet, we are also tasked with the task of watching out for each other and keeping the issues and failings of our brothers as private as possible. It is wrong to discuss the so-called perceived sins of our brothers with others without first running it by them. We are called to correct each other with brotherly love and not publish sins.
PRAYER
Lord God, make us watchmen who watch and warn in love. Amen.
May God bless you.
-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.
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