Wednesday: 19^th Week in Ordinary Time-B

I Reading: Deuteronomy 34: 1-12 Moses died as the Lord decreed, and there has never been such a prophet as him.

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20: If he listens to you, you have won back our brother.

The Steps to Correcting Offending Brothers, Mt 18:15-20

Jesus corrects and handles the sinning brother how to bring reconciliation between two offending brothers. God has one great concern: He wants peace restored between the brothers and within the church. If the sinning brother refuses to be reconciled and to rectify the wrong, Jesus says the disturbance is not to be tolerated any longer, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector (v.17).

1. Step 1: Attempt reconciliation (v.15-17)

a. Go to brother alone

b. Go to the brother with witnesses

c. Go before the Church

2. Step 2: Discipline the brother (v.17-18)

a. The earthly discipline

b. The heavenly support of God

3. Step 3: The essential step-bathe the matter in prayer (v.19-20)

a. Seeking agreement

b. Seeking God’s will and approval

c. Seeking unity in His name

d. Result: His presence

Thought: our lives should be done in a spirit of humility, love, care, forgiveness and unworthiness. Let us try to seek the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).

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