Daily Readings - Sun Sep 10 2017
Romans
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery,Do not murder,Do not steal,Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Matthew
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of love and community, guided by the teachings of St. Paul and Jesus. The Second Reading from Romans reminds us that love is the fulfillment of the law, emphasizing that loving our neighbor as ourselves is paramount. This love, Paul notes, does no harm and embodies the spirit of the law. The Gospel from Matthew complements this by outlining a structured approach to conflict resolution within the community, stressing the importance of reconciliation and prayer.
The context of these readings is rooted in their respective audiences. Paul's letter to the Romans was addressed to a diverse community, urging them to live harmoniously through love. Matthew's Gospel, part of Jesus' teachings on community life, provides practical steps for handling conflicts, ensuring that love and forgiveness are central. Together, these passages highlight that love is not just a feeling but a actionable principle that guides both our personal interactions and communal life.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to approach conflicts with love and a willingness to reconcile. Whether in personal relationships or within our communities, we are urged to seek resolution through love and understanding. The moral lesson here is clear: love is the foundation of our actions, shaping how we interact and resolve discord. By embracing this love, we not only fulfill the law but also create a harmonious and compassionate community, reflecting God's presence in our midst.