“I shall be there with them” (Matthew 18:15-20)

Matthew 18 is a discourse on relations within the Christian community and today’s Gospel gives some very practical advice about a problem we all encounter: conflict. The beautiful phrase ‘you have won back your brother’ highlights the importance of resolving our differences with one another; love sometimes involves confrontation. We may involve others to help mediate but only when the first stage has failed. To seek help requires great humility and involving the wider community may seem harsh, but we should not be naïve, lasting peace sometimes requires mediation.

There is an unusual verse referring to tax collectors and Gentiles and the drastic steps that are taken in order to protect the community. Perhaps it is these groups of people who are calling on the community to face facts and to move forward. Mediation is not an easy task, whether it be a parent dealing with conflict in the family; a diplomat brokering peace-keeping deals in conflict zones; a counsellor journeying with two people; conflict is all around us. Today’s Gospel urges dialogue, patience, perseverance and the space to allow grace to enter.

“The conclusion of our meditation is not ‘Jesus tells us to do this,’ but, ‘Let us celebrate Jesus at work in the world.’ We recognise moments of grace when we ourselves lived this teaching, and celebrate the great people who by word and example taught us to live it.” (Michel de Verteuil)