Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 14, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe

Scripture Text:  Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples:

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today recounts Jesus’ teaching on reconciliation with one another. The gospel acclamation for today sums it up well: God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Then Jesus turns his teaching to prayer pointing to both the power of prayer in His name and the power of joining in prayer with others.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I a person of reconciliation? Do I make every effort to reconcile with others? Do I take the matter to the LORD in prayer and seek divine guidance and grace?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You reconciled the world by sending your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, among us as our brother and Redeemer. You entrusted to Him the mission of reconciliation. He taught us not only of your great and unfathomable love for us and your desire for our salvation and life but also of your desire that we be one, united in our diversity. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to be people of reconciliation, seeking reconciliation with You for our trespasses as well as seeking reconciliation with our sisters and brothers. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.