Today’s Gospel falls within the larger context of Matt. 18:1-20:34, titled, ‘The Way of Greatness’. However, the passage of Matt. 18:15-20, is an excerpt from Matt. 18:12-22, with the theme, ‘Concern for Others’, where Jesus commanded us to do everything within our power, to win back a brother who offends us or whom we have offended. Jesus further insisted that even after we have used all available means to seek for peace to no avail, we should not resign but continue to treat him as we would treat a pagan. And we know that Jesus loves pagan, and treats them with dignity. Beloved, there should not be any limit to our desire for peace. We should never give up on anybody no matter how much they refuse reconciling with us. No matter how ungrateful and unrepentant anyone is, they are still deserving of our love, care and respect. Just like Jesus told Peter to make peace with a brother who wronged him seventy-seven times, we must never stop seeking after peace.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, may I never be tired of carrying out acts of charity and reconciliation. Amen