23rd Sunday on Ordinary Time Year A 10th September 2023
Lectionary Readings:
Ezekiel 33 v 7-11; Psalm 119 v33-40; Romans 13 v 8-14; Matthew 18 v 15-20.
‘Standing Watch’ over the flow of God’s grace and love.
Ezekiel has been appointed by God to ‘stand watch for the people of Israel’. (Ezekiel 33 v7).
God delegated authority to the prophet to safeguard the spiritual welfare of God’s people.
Ezekiel is instructed to warn them about the serious consequences of sinful behaviour. God points out that the people will only have themselves to blame if they do not heed the warning.
As God says “If the Israelites want to live, they must stop sinning and turn back to me.”
(Ezekiel 33 v11).
Matthew recounts Jesus’ advice about what to do if one of his followers sins against another. If a word in private doesn’t prompt an apology or change of heart, then we are to seek support from fellow believers or the whole church community.
Sin is seen as an obstacle to grace; something that blocks the flow of God’s love.
Paul reflects on the power of love to put relationships right, with God and with others.. Paul urges us to “love others as much as you love yourself”. He continues, “No one who loves others will harm them”. (Romans 13 v9,10).
So, if we are to follow Jesus as true disciples, we are to show love to others. We are to listen to our Christian friends when we go astray and be ready to put things right, so that God’s grace and love can flow, as intended, over us all.
The psalmist asks God to, ‘take away my foolish desires and let me find life by walking with you.’
(Psalm 119 v37).
Hymn writer, Peter Ralf, invites us to remember that God is with us.
(Singing the Faith 554).
In this place, with God’s word, what we’ve hoped is now made true.
Prophets’ dreams we have heard; now they’re real, O Christ, in you!
Immanuel, you are here – God with us, with each one!
Amazing love! Now it’s clear God’s welcome year is begun!
At this time, here and now, longing hearts no longer wait.
Christ himself shows us how love divine melts fear and hate.
In my life, in my heart, Christ comes with the Spirit’s fire!
This is God’s brand new start, giving me my heart’s desire.
In this place, at this time, in my life, Immanuel.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.