Sunday Gospel
Prepare for Sunday in prayer.
Matthew 18:15–20
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
About this artwork
The Sermon on the Mount. A general meditation on listening to Christ’s teaching. This painting depicts the Sermon on the Mount, not necessarily the event in today’s reading.
Jesus teaches his disciples to seek reconciliation and promises to remain among those gathered in his name.
Gospel
Matthew 18:15–20
If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.
Official readingsThe courage to seek one another
Jesus gives a path for conflict that protects both truth and relationship. He does not tell us to shame someone publicly, collect allies, or pretend that the wound does not matter. He begins with a private conversation whose purpose is restoration: “you have gained back your brother.”
Christian reconciliation requires courage. We must speak honestly without cruelty, listen without immediately defending ourselves, and involve others only when wisdom and safety require it. Not every relationship can be restored in the same way, and healthy boundaries may be necessary. Still, the heart of Jesus always seeks the person rather than victory. His promise closes the teaching with hope: when even two or three gather in his name, he is present. We do not attempt difficult conversations alone. Christ stands in the middle, forming us into a people capable of truth, mercy, and peace.
Prayer
Jesus, remain in the middle of our relationships. Give our family words that are truthful and gentle, ears ready to listen, and hearts willing to seek peace. Amen.
Is there a conversation I need to approach with more honesty, humility, or desire for reconciliation?