never allow us to give up on each other - 32nd week monday 2018

Some say that our gospel today is just a random collection of sayings of Jesus, 3 sayings placed one after the other.  But some say it has a pattern.  The sin of scandal is immediately followed by the call to fraternal correction. If the offender repents he or she is forgiven.  If he commits sin a number of times and each time expresses sorrow and repentance, he should be forgiven.  

Then we come to the third saying where the apostles asked the Lord, Increase our faith.  This saying is still within the context of the sin of scandal and the call to forgive indefinitely.  Indeed the repeated nature of this kind of sin can be exhausting to everyone in the community.  The giving of fraternal corrections and the extension of the community’s patience and forgiveness to the offender can be discouraging at times.  Nevertheless, as Christians we should always make every effort for reconciliation and should never give up on one another.  Thus the prayer and plea, Lord, increase our faith.

This was the spirit of St Josaphat.  He never tired of working for the reconciliation of churches torn by animosity and strife.  And what did he get in return – martyrdom.  Lord, increase our faith.  Do not allow us to give up on each other.