YOU MUST LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF
The theme of listening runs through today’s readings. We are to listen to the word of God, to our hearts, to one another, and to our community. We are challenged truly to love one another, speaking out where necessary. Just as Jesus became our brother and made himself responsible for us, he asks that we do the same.
In the First Reading, God appoints Ezekiel as his sentry: a mouthpiece to sound a warning when danger appears. We, too, are to be on the lookout, helping one another rather than simply looking on. The Gospel echoes this. Jesus tells us what to do when things go wrong in relationships within a community. We should try to work things out one-to-one, then invite those we can trust to advise, and finally ask the community, bringing back those who stray. Jesus asks us not to give up on people, even when they do not listen to us.
Source: Excerpted from the Scripture reflection courtesy of St Beuno’s Outreach in the Diocese of Wrexham, UK available at www.australiancatholics.com.au