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A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel
Ez. 33:7-9
Watchmen on the city walls or out on the hills formed part of the defense system in Biblical times. They had to sound a warning when undesired foreigners were spotted. Ezekiel sees the prophet, God's "mouthpiece" as such a watchman, in charge of the well-being of the community. He must do his duty.
The message (God's word) seems to be that we must be willing to accept correction first of all from those in charge of the community: children from parents, parishioners from priests, students from teachers, employees from employers, citizens from the law enforcers. Those who are not willing to accept fair and respectfully given correction are in a weak position when they have to correct others.
The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him.
in your self-giving. He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord hears the cry of the poor!
A Reading, From the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans
Rom 13:8-10
As Jesus did, Paul quotes the Old Testament and sees love as the unifying principle behind all laws and commandments. "Love does no evil to the neighbor," even though an honest and respectful fraternal correction may cause some necessary pain.
In the Gospel of Matthew
Mt 18:15-20
As we have this tradition in Matthew, it brings out that fraternal correction is the concern not only of "the watchman" but of all "the brethren." Genuine love for others implies the willingness to correct them, if necessary, and to accept correction from this as well.
Fraternal correction given with due respect and inspired by love is a favor for which we should be grateful, even if it hurts our pride. In strong language we are told that the well-being of the community should prevail over the questionable well-being of an individual if there is no other way.
Newsy Notes
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Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE
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REMEMBER
Welcome Back !
PSR 1st through 8th grade
Our First day for PSR for
1st through 8th grade will be September 10th
Our first day for Pre-schoolers and Kindergarteners is September 24th
1st Reconciliation
Our1st meeting for reconciliation will be on September 30th for all 2nd graders
Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
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