Church of the
Annunciation

Pope Benedict has given Mary a new title – Star of Hope. Mary, like a guiding star at night, brings hope to humanity through the stormy voyage of life. Mary’s “yes” to the angel Gabriel to be the mother of Jesus is also an expression of her affirmation of trust in the angelic announcement: the “Lord is with you.” Everything changes when we believe that God is with us. We are not abandoned or alone. In our Gospel today, St. Matthew, the evangelist, recalls the promise of Jesus to his disciples: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst.” What a comfort to know that Jesus is with us through the “stormy voyage of life.” Knowing “Jesus is with us” is also a challenge when we realize his words and example have a bearing on our actions and affairs. “What would Jesus do?” is more than a placard that we post to zing another person. The question is fundamental for all of us. How do we proceed when there is a conflict or disagreement, or an injustice that weighs heavy in our heart and tears the fabric of our community apart? St. Matthew is recalling the living memory of Jesus and applying “his way” to the real life issue facing his community -- some 45 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We discern three steps in addressing a hurt (e.g. a sin committed by a brother) within the Church: 1) Talk to the person who has committed the offense. Try to come to some resolution and peace. If not, 2) Ask a respected third party to help mediate and mend the rift. If this fails, 3) Bring the matter to the larger community. If the person refuses to amend, he or she should be treated as a Gentile or tax collector, that is, someone outside the assembly. The words of Jesus seem harsh until we remember how Jesus treated Gentiles and public sinners – with great mercy. The words of Jesus: “Whatever you bind or loose…” define our responsibility. Earlier in the Gospel these same words pertain to the office of unity and reconciliation that is entrusted to Peter as leader of the 12 apostles. But now Jesus entrusts the ministry of reconciliation to the larger circle of disciples – to us. It is paramount for Catholic Christians to address conflict with hope for forgiveness and restoration;  and to confront evil with goodness and integrity.