Word to the Wise
Thursday, August 11, 2011 - Thursday in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
[Josh 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17 and Matt 18:21—19:1,1040]Peter approached Jesus and asked him, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?" Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times."
"Conflict resolution" is a part of all human community life! It includes both the process of confronting a wrong-doer as well as forgiving one! I would recommend reading the passage just before the story in today's gospel, vv. 15-18, to see the model of "conflict resolution" that Jesus suggests! The model recommends private conversation first. If that doesn't work, then confrontation in the presence of two or three witnesses. If that doesn't work, then the whole community is invited to the process. If none of this is effective, then the wrong-doer is treated as if he or she is to be treated as an outsider who must begin all over again with the community. This process focuses on the wrong-doer. The Gospel of Matthew is strong on the subject of accountability!
The passage for today focuses on the one who has been the victim of wrongdoing! Here a wrong-doer receives compassion and forgiveness but refuses to show it to others! The duty to forgive is highlighted in the the Lord's Prayer: "Forgive us our trespasses as WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US." We can expect to be forgiven to the extent that we forgive others! If we participate in a process to correct someone else, we should be aware that we outselves may be in need of compassion someday. Compassion and accountability must go hand in hand. AMEN