|
First
Reading
|
Psalm |
Epistle |
Gospel |
| Ezekiel 33:7–11 |
Psalm 119:33–40 |
Romans 13:8–14 |
Matthew
18:15–20
|
The lectionary this morning provides us with three lessons that all compliment each other, something, incidentally, which does not happen very often. The sixth century prophet Ezekiel makes it quite clear that God does not look forward to punishing, to separating, to alienating humanity from divine grace; rather God acts in human history primarily to reconcile, to bind up, and to rebuild. St. Paul, writing to the Christian community in Rome about the year 55, gives a long exhortation on the theme of understanding, harmony, and peace, over retaliation and justifying one’s personal honor.
The passage from the Gospel of Matthew was likely written some twenty to thirty years after Paul’s letter. Unlike the other Gospels that never mention the word that is translated as church, Matthew uses the term here three times. The setting for this Gospel reflects a developing organization definitely removed from the local synagogues and Jewish culture. The Temple in Jerusalem and the central authority of the Jewish priesthood have been destroyed. Ever since, Jews and Christians have been going their separate ways. Struggling for a new identity, the communities of Christians now are drawn almost exclusively from a gentile population of diverse customs and traditions. It’s easy to see why even minor arguments could turn into serious disputes.
We all know people who have used a particular passage in the Bible practically like a club to gain a victory over someone else. Often they are small and petty victories that lead to lingering resentments. I’ve told you the story of the parent who read his child the Bible story about Lot: A man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. “Oh dear,” said the child, “and what happened to the poor little flea?"1 (Take a moment.... Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city") That's what getting caught by minutia is all about. Often controversies get blown up into full-scale battles because of such ridiculous misunderstandings.
The gospel does recognize the need for discipline and disapproval of lapses in morality. It is not contending that mayhem ought to be ignored. The Gospel is not about avoidance. It is not offering a justification for abuse or an excuse for perpetuation of abuse. It is reminding us that evil is not overcome simply by suppressing it or covering it up, Evil is truly conquered by conversion and transformation. God isn’t as interested in settling scores as in leading us into a new relationship where there will be far fewer scores to be settled. In practicing the pursuit of reconciliation and forgiveness here and now on this earth, the sign of healing is disclosed. If God really wanted to evenly settle all scores, we would all be in deep trouble.
The point of the biblical passages read today, is that when two or three are gathered together there is usually an opportunity for healing. We may not be able to avoid being a victim and getting hurt, but the Holy Spirit helps us get over the victim mentality, and move on from licking our wounds over and over again with resentment and revenge. The larger theme of today is that the church is a place to heal and houses a community where the Holy Spirit may move among us as an instrument of grace. Don't let yourself get bitten and infected by a small flea.
The implications of this passage tend to make us squirm as much as it did Matthew’s original hearers. We are tempted to say, “But what about the actions of so and so? What if this happens? How much effort do I expend?” We look for the exceptions and limits of forgiveness instead of the larger intention of the Gospel, so Matthew takes pains to make sure we get the point. He brings the apostle Peter into the picture. Peter is often portrayed as big, lumbering, and sort of slow to catch on. Make no mistake. Peter isn’t stupid. It may take a while, but when Peter gets the message he is solid as a rock. “Lord, but how often must I seek to forgive and reconcile? A little hurt is O.K., but that can lead to something bigger and encourage more damaging things. How often shall I forgive my brother in this way and continue to treat the offender as one of my family?”
And Jesus’ reply is the Gospel passage for next week.
And I offer this to you in the name of the Living God, Amen.
1I can’t remember now where and when I head this story, but it did not originate with me!
